ensemble

1.

leaving

where is the still point

where the quest both begins and ends?

when is the quickening moment

when all is remoulded and retold?

the bird sings across the centuries

the bow on the string

the final note that soars and trembles

before silence sweeps in

like a wave caressing the shore

o when will it be told

today’s death toll?

when will it be sighted

the countless, nameless ones

desperate to clamber

home?

ah home

a vanished point, no horizon

to herald nearness or belonging

or outstretched arms

but home – love has flown

tonight the wind whispers low

follow, go fast after

until you too rise

2.

grieving

given in the taking

taken in the giving

where is the place that glows long after

everyone is gone?

when is the grieving moment to be lifted

from your arms and tossed into the light?

when is the darkness to be swallowed

by impending day?

silent wisdom stands a while

and traces her fingers around the edges of sleep

who could have know how solace would come

whilst wide awake and in such pain

and it becomes possible at last

to write a document of lightness and grace

create a symphony of one breath?

3.

cleaving

trembling in the evening breeze

the loss you thought incalculable

is counted in quietness

as the mist of self clears

what happened?

it was as if music filled the bodies

of all the dead

and the sun rose

4.

creating

the sea spread out

a carpet of deep blue

unfathomable depths

the hills rise proud

highest heights

above all else

the artist dives down

and reaches up

as strength fails

and light increases

upon sorrow

and sorrow falls

the rain comes in season

for fruit to be borne

and hunger to fade

with the growing dawn

6 July 2013