August is rather resplendent with difficult dates among the happier ones. This poem is for Genene, Dr. Kate and Shannon. Although written in the present tense, it also refers to a time that preceded the “era” referenced in the previous poem Blessure — but represents present-day ruminations — and dare I say “conclusions.”
God of Wonder
You are the God of wonder
and delight, but also the God
who holds the lamp steady
when I cannot sleep
during the darkest night.
You are in the soft blanket
with which I wrap myself
and in the enlivened wire
of a cross-country call tripping
through three time zones
to the warm voice who’s been
here more than once.
You are also the God who
works my heart like a piece
of saddle leather, softening it
layer by stiff brittle layer, because
bitterness is not my ride or road,
resentment is not my destination,
even though anger can nip and
drive at my heels more often
than I like — even in the form
of a silky-coated border collie
with comprehending eyes.
You are everywhere and
beyond anywhere. You are
seated on a three-legged stool
with my head against your knee
whether I know it or not. But
thankfully I do. And for now,
it must be enough.
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