(For my goddaughter, July 2006, carrying Cora)
Radiant pregnancy
Glowing beauty personified
...
We stood fingers entwined
Drenched by falling rain
But did not notice
Thinking ourselves love's perfection
...
From this side of truth
Lies fall twisted at the gate
Sweet cradle songs
Wayward mothers sang to soothe
...
Last train comes and goes
While hidden in darkness
Down midnight leafy country lane
On melancholy moonless night
...
"Save one life and you save the world"
Dark tide of evil swept over Europe
Eclipsing light and truth
...
Quietly endures
Without anger or reproach
Suffering for my sake.
...
Blood red poppies
Cascade battlements
Waterfall
Flooding moat.
...
("Here lies one whose name was writ in water")
John Keats
Foul relentless death
...
I stand tall and free
Without Death
Terrorizing my soul.
...
(for PJD)
Elderly vicar, shepherd to his flock, caring for souls
Living with wife and daughter, daily doing his best
...