if we look for meaning
long enough
it's sure to come freighting in
on this changeable march wind
or love's leftover smiles
and why not
for if there's a hereafter waiting to receive us
will it really matter
if it doesn't turn out like a heaven
we'll never see
when everything from contrails to butterflies
leads us to believe the dead
will rise again and our prayers catch hold like kindling
in the limitless lair of a god who is but

will not be

till i am become
that animal i used to make fun
of that down
on his knees praying fool who no matter
what befalls him
continues a moment by moment
litany of thank you god
thank you for this for my every
thing wanting only
to be his hearth his helpmate the one who wears
his ring


�2007 by James Lineberger