Promises

No Man’s Legacy

Who decides the value of things?
I may no longer pay attention.
For I had paid you to guide me
Through the chambers of this grand estate
To show me irreplaceable wonders, exclusive artifacts

But you did not pause
To see beyond this window:

The golden-bronze of winter fields
Gathers among these ruffled hills
Framed in pewter of rain-soaked skies,
Long before this building—
Stone-to-stone was laid.

Gift

If I did not belong to you

I could not weave the world I’m meant to be in

You made me to feel the beauty, simplicity,

And quiet of life—to know its goodness

But when it dissolves away,

Dies in the hurry of living, the struggle to exist

You bring me back ever reminding me

To see the flicker of light as wind moves through shimmering leaves

To float with the patterns changing across my arm and legs

Resting here in the afternoon sun

A gift as simple as breathing

Mingled with sweet air of autumn clematis