Joseph’s Banquet

Far off in a foreign plain
When I was young
I narrowly escaped death
At the hand of loved ones.
 
Should a child be expected
To take such full measure
Of cruelty and not weep
Years later when again treasured

 And what of sympathy’s embrace

When longingly awaited
Burst forth as refreshing quench
For one so ill fated.
 

Dust, drought, desolation

Cries are heard abroad.
My hunger’s filled, my pain is stilled
Thanks be to a merciful God.

A Mother's Prayer

Today I watched her walk to school—
with a charm and grace and a woman's face—
another day she walked to school-
Tiny steps sweet & small
but the self same girl now grown tall-

I watched the sure & assured step,
not revealing any unsure thought at all-
I stand with heart lifted to a higher power-
Keep safe & sure her steps-
Keep light her heart-
Keep sacred her dreams-
Keep light her way.

I stand and watch her walk away.
My heart is suspended, the tears give way.

To-day at least she will come home,
after College Classes & activity.

Another day, I know too soon-
her steps will other paths tred
and will turn toward her new found home.
Newly established, love founded.
May my heart be strong enough to see her go.

Fiery Mountains

When the mountains catch fire

We chase their dancing tongues

Through the crackling blaze

And fill our lungs

With golden dust

We slosh through rusty rivers

Gathering our fists full

Of sweet-scented stuff.

Till we collapse

Under a birch

Amber sparks spray over us

As we lay motionless.

A patchwork quilt

Sewn over us,

Softly driven.

Gazing through shimmering twigs,

An iridescent sky.
Listen breathlessly
To the wind caught
In low branches.

We tell each other secrets

Dreaming together there.
Nothing between us.
Till dusk draws clouds
Dousing the flame.

Letting Go

No more heartache,

No more tears,

Only broken hearts

Remember through the years.

No more sorrow,

No more fear,

No more lonely nights

Waiting to hold you near.

No more laughter,

No more cries,

No touch, or smile,

Or look into your eyes.

No “Good mornings,”

No goodbyes

No more reasons left

Trying to tell you why.

No more Love me

Tenderly.

Not but barrenness

Far as the eye can see.

No more footsteps

At my door,

No magic meadow

Crazed in love as before.

No more wishes

On a star

Only my wonder

About life where you are.

My Wee One                          
Life’s agonies wash over me
Enveloped in extremity.

Hide my wee ones burial shrine!

Skeletal bones and Bloody vines.

Woven branches, divided strands.
Ruddy boughs cover withered hands.

Eastern winds lift wings of shivers,
Plaguing pain gives birth to rivers,
I'll sip the ancient wine and bless
and curse my faint forgetfulness.