December third

Today no storm of words
           but calm reflection
to mark the anniversary
           the winters I have seen
the rivers and mountains
           and cities built from dust
What peace I’ve known
           in the midst of turmoil
how many times
           the generous hand of love
and strokes of good fortune
           somewhere to lay my head
and dream of better times
           And for your lips
for your eternal smile
           for every ample hour
for your warm breath
           upon my stubbled face
for this much and much more
           I give thanks

John Lyons