"Promise"
Marie Mason
December 2008
My face against the mossish bark
Arms outstretched to hold and feel
the heartbeat throb of
Water
Pulsing low below the surface
Even as it runs through my own veins
Your feet thrust deep within the Earth
Your head held high to track the Stars
An existence both of Prayer and silent Service
Steadfast in years
And the long reach through time
A storied lesson told in rings
I read through fingers
Ancient Oak
Encircled by your children
Now grown tall
The deer pause to witness
This conversation and this promise
Between the Mouse and Lion, as of old,
Because tonight the blue strips
Flutter all around you in a winter breeze
Banners heralding
Disaster
Houses to be built
Destroying
Home.
