Speak it to Me Warmly

Speak it to Me Warmly

 (“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:4)

Speak it to me warmly so I can hear.
Allay my fears.
All I want is to know you better
so my bones don’t shatter every time
you want to talk to me. 

The clouds shrouded the hills across the river,
a film noir in February,
and the douglas firs on the ridge looked like
castles in the fog. 

I do see it in you, the things I miss in me,
it has always been this way.
From the onset of my first failure
to the day I sailed to your door
I have seen poorly and heard the thunder
on sunny days. 

The marina invited all the neighbors and their
dogs
to ease into a winter sun that reflected off the
green glass water where boats moored still as
stopped clocks. The ducks dove below the surface
nonchalantly grabbing lunch. 

I do hear it in words I have forgotten.
Remind me then.
All I want is to breathe easier
so my arms don’t shake every time
I sit down to write. 

Don’t call me crazy, but I hear bagpipes
that sing of Scottish highlands.
I hear fiddles and babies bawling for
their mothers.
I hear the sheep bleating, the sky receding,
and evening calling out to dance.