NEW YEAR 2010 POEM and WISHES

"Call and Response Poem"
I
I was but a baby on his back
He was hiking in the beloved woods with me
It would take decades for me to fully unpack
... sudden rain, dying Son, my cries, his words ... mystery

II
Now, as I cannot hide my whitening facial hair
The whispers, "I love you, my child" recur as song
As refrain, the Great Commission, the Comforter -
He brought me front then, when I howled in the storm

III
Welcome words, tone , wing-like arms warmed me then
Heartistic wisdom, fraternal vision, my own wings of joy
Now dance like the first newborn love between man and woman:
Consummation, multiplication, duplication in one more girl and boy!

IV
We have come this far through the simple complexity of Love
One who loves me - and you - more than we will ev'r guess
Who weeps to hear us weeping, wanting ... who climbed down from above -
And does yet, disguised as a parent, foe, friend, spouse: to listen and bless

V
Why shall I keep these muddy lips reticent, closed?
The true Lover walks among us yet, with lepers, harlots, thieves;
Until we respond to the wailing widows, shyest siblings, bleeding foes
In the ordinary, hurried moments, our ears hear not ... in baked sands and cities.