Gather silk
And cotton leaves,
A feather bed
Beneath the trees
Will keep the bees
From stinging.
Go now off
And leave your home,
Keep your strength —
This undertow
Pulls many in,
And keeps the sin
Afloat.
Breath and paddle
Tread and stroke,
Mind your own
When others won’t.
Keep the faith
Against all odds,
Raise your head
And fill your lungs,
The trees to see
The clouds to touch
The rain pours in —
Never enough.
MJY – October 1992
January 11, 2004