Last Words

Writing the final chapter…

the bells in the tower ring for me

Once for each phrase unwritten

twice for each grievance atoned 

—as—

“Schoolchildren rise

pulling back the covers on the flowering meadow

Singing my words

blessing the fields as they run 

“Memory half gone

released into the cradle of times rebirth

Taking what I gave

and leaving what I could not forgive

“The reasons, the seasons

melding together, flashing lost images

Redeeming their promise

christening new moments forever endowed 

“Yesterday and tomorrow

I am free of their deception

My last words to stay hidden

—in the laughter of a child” 

(The New Room: June, 2022)