Our Time

A Poem for Caleb

Tromping through coastal grass and brambles, I overlook flood plain, mineral rights and agricultural exemption. In the spider's dewy web and butterfly's dance, in the cool green/brown air, I search for a trail to walk with you. We will sit on the porch of a wooden house at nighttime. Do you hear the rain on the tin roof? Do you taste the roasted marshmallows of Summer and Fall? It's like you're a child again. Touch the angel's wings at Christmastime. Let the glitter fly. I will see you there. I will hold your hand very long times at a time, after the scheduled meals are gone, the assigned sheets washed crisp, folded, and put away. I will play dominoes with you before the fire. The table is broken now, but we will fix it together. One day we will hammer and sand and paint. Close your eyes. Mama cooks dinner. Smell the bread rising.