Martha, Did You Know?

I can’t.

She crowds the bed in which I sleep,

taking way more than her fair share

of the Peace and of the Rest.

Do I really know I can’t?

I look her quietly in the eye and ask

can I absolutely know you speak the truth to me?

What would I be without your deadly counsel,

beloved old haunt?

You’ve kept me company all these years

and gently now,

I bid you leave.

I’d take you with me where I’m going,

but I can’t.

But…am I to summon the courage

to do this one next thing You ask of me?

and I respond so tremulously…

Oh, really now!

You’ve last night’s dishes to do!

Please, Little One, do recall

“We’ve only just begun to live…”

Sing along, now!

“White lace and promises…”

July 7, 2010