Sabbath

Still, dark room obeys
Ancient commands: candle burns,
Shadows turn to flame.

Autumn in Houston

Camouflaged lizard
scampers across the path’s shade.
I wait, then walk on.

Walking slowly home
Crickets drink up from night’s cup
Harvest moon soon full

Bow down to bowed nights.
Brave days of towering need.
Cede the Sower seed.

Pen, write me right here.
Bells, take me from eye to ear.
Dawn, blaze through my fear.

Fog. Ice. Dark blue night.
Bogged heart, mooned mind: fine, true. Still—
Flip, turn, start anew.

Cold dawn. Bryce makes snow.
Down strong black coffee, then go.
Lend me strength, old friend.

Friend: stay near graced nights
We stayed true to pain and need,
Bared torn hearts — chained, freed.

Endure, my dear friend
Let bare fields wipe your brow clear
Such nights bear my hand

Lord, help me to die
to myself, afraid to die,
that thy Word might live.