BLESSED

I let myself be poor again
Simple now and still
Put aside distracting things
Learn to be alone
My garden is unsure again
I leave open the gate
Welcome what my keeper brings
The sun behind the hill

Blessed be those who never turn away
Blessed be the ones who stay

The empty branches cannot hold
The heavy winter sky
Roses close their tiny hands
Vines grip to the stone
No more stories needing told
The books are put away
The wind walks in the open gate
Broken shadows fly

Blessed be those who never turn away
Blessed be the ones who stay

I love the dark and quiet hour
Silence of the snow
The fence that bends beneath the weight
The wood under the tarp
Tending to each little chore
The voice that tells me how
Let me build a fire with you
And make a pot of tea

Blessed be those who never turn away
Blessed be the ones who stay

I find you now in everything
My heart is sad and ripe
Branches fall, the sky remains
No simple answer comes
There is not a god or king
Who knows us in the dark
We kiss our solitudes
And say good night

Blessed be those who never turn away
Blessed be the ones who stay

DL