three

today; what I've learned in the dark; the truest truths

Photo by the author, 2024.

1

today the sun spills silver
from a chill December sky

today Sophia's smile
greets me at the doughnut shop

today I am tolerant of interruptions
today I allow my own wonky metaphors

today gives me the embrace of cold that is not severe

today is coffee grabbed at odd moments

today is Siskin Green     today are the antiphons of Advent
today is Uncle Wystan enchanting me with reason

today a sick man shouts at the world
       but the world turns away
       & walks to a chapel of peace

today every bone in my daft old body proclaims the exultation of Love
today my ancestors smile upon me as I fumble & muddle through

today is just warm enough to melt last week's snow

2

I've learned in the dark
       to rest
       in a Grace that embraces

I've learned in the dark
       to receive starlight
       as sacrament

I've learned anthems of mercy
I've learned songs of redemption

I've learned to listen to Silence

I've learned to see Orion
       above the veins of bare trees

3

(the truest truths)

I have no idea
what I'm doing
from one moment
to the next

this life will end
& I hope that the rumours
of a realm of peace
are no fairytale

I have always regretted
what constricts & hampers Love
& never regretted
what expands & invigorates Love