One August Evening

One August Evening

Written while we were still living in Illinois, in the top floor of a two-flat which was built around the time of the War to End All Wars. I rarely think in a straight line so one observation of some temporal situation often leads to something I hope more eternal in significance. In this instance, it is Ephesians 5:8-15. I will wait while you read that before you read the following. Ready?

One August Evening
Muggy Monday, yet coffee brews
While languid fans bemuse.
Warm, damp, close, all summer summing
In one evening's coming.
Sunrise:
Dew-darkened leaves,
Mourning doves,
Whippoorwill,
Mild-stained sky,
Remind me still
Of Grandma's farm,
Of childhood's simpler days
When peace was understood, accepted, undemanded, enjoyed as
Only a purer, more singular
Eye/heart receive, rejoice in.
Children's voices trigger memory
Without regret and resolution within.
One angle gives away
What another can't: The light
Sneaking through
A warped crack, a door
Cut to a different frame
Doesn't matter as long as the lock
Fits, the bolt
Holds a door
Cut to a different frame.
One angle reveals
What no other can: the light