A Psalm Of Blessings Poem by Barry Middleton

this small circle of my world
is nearly perfect
I have silence and peace
the golden morning greets me
spring is trembling in a lover's heart
day waits for me like a budded rose

ah but just outside my hermit's wall
the hungry monsters prowl
I feel the knife of far off war
I hear no whispering god
I taste the air of hate and fear
my circle is empty without hope

as I go out into the day
I will not forget the pain and loss
I will hold it close as I greet a friend
I will listen to the sacred wind
I will be grateful for my burden
and I will pray and bless a stranger