nicks

I was sent a mustard seed today By post, taped to a calling card Inside a small envelope and the Message said: "Faith as small as a mustard seed". In church, when the choir stopped Singing, my correspodent said: "In Israel, I saw trees clapping hands". As her coach slowed, the large heavy Leaves were stirred by the wind Against each other. On the train to London I had An epiphany: the mustard seed In my heart was alive and I could feel God's love And I had discovered its Eternal strength. Between Peterborough and Northampton, I looked to my right Out the car window and saw A perfect stand of trees: I saw the big sky of blue and Epic clouds. I smiled. I smiled as I drove towards Home.

I dread the time for lights out: Knowing you are waiting. I fear your desire for me: Your dreams must stop. I like the idea of you: But only when you are away. In bed you are too hot, I would rather floss my teeth. Why not surprise me, I say. Doubt that you will any day Soon. Wait! I suggest Friday. The mood may be right. Or not.

Gone, Archie lies still, facing away from the door, his toes to the wall, his beautiful head resting, the tip of his tongue just visible, his eyes staring forward, four feet from where I had last seen him alive, frozen in time. O Archie, I held you, stroked you, hoped you would revive. O Archie, gone. Gone your optimism. Gone your joy in life. Gone your scrapping, your stick chasing, your ball shredding, your compost bin charge, the walk to the Unicorn, your wait by the local store, your fart from beneath the dining table. Gone.