storm time

The air fragmented and still

The wind playing games in the trees of another town

The clouds lying in vast repose...taunting the trees/sidewalks/houses/fields below

The rain (still young enough to be timid); touching the leaves of the blackberry bush with tender curiosity

The horizon adorned with pearly greys, pinks and blues

The sun setting and taking all the finery of day to his palace on the other side

The child watching from a bedroom window...stands like a conductor, waiting for the music to begin.

baby eyes

in the reflection of your eyes i see Heaven.

perhaps a memory, perhaps a promise,

perhaps an invitation to come and dance

Tonight...your dance card is full

not too long from tomorrow
we'll be waving from the other shore.
watching you walk...safely to the other side.
so happy to see you go...
so sad to watch you leave.

not too long from tomorrow
you'll be a bright-eyed girl with glossy black hair
running with abandon to the other side of the divide.
say hi to everyone for me.
say hi to Grandpa, kiss your mother and father, rock my first baby to sleep.

not too long from tomorrow
He'll be walking you home...for the last time.
in the twilight, in the dusk; up the last hill you'll ever have to climb--the hand of our Christ is steadying your final steps.

not too long from tomorrow
we promise not to cry too long. Since there is no more crying where you are, we promise not to cry too long.

mettle

i am solid all the way thru
not thin enough for the rain to rust me till i fall
just a taste of metal in my mouth reminds me i can still trip
oh Mr Tinman, you know my predicament...