EARTH, WATER AND STRAW

Oh Dear One, I have fallen
into a future of loss, 
when you are gone
and I am alone.
I have let what will be
take me away from what is.


What is? Love,
dissolving us like this 
morning's diffusing light 
absorbs the stars, 
a gaze between two skys 
almost cloudless in clarity, 
when we, together, 
are here now. 

Hearts are like pots 
to be filled, poured out, 
emptied, broken to shards,
crushed to dust,
rewetted and reformed.

All around me scattered
I find bits of gratitude - 
your muddy hands, your fingertips 
patterned into my skin, 
the silent mouth 
you give me to fill, 
the water you pour
up to the rim 
of parched lips
where I drink and drink.

Now, in this shaky space 
I barely wrap around 
with attention, I shape 
a pot of adobe clay, 
to hold for you in cracked embrace
joy for your joy,
happiness for your happiness,
not yet fired, but strong 
as earth, water and straw can be.






© 2007 by Richard W. Todd

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