Love came like a soft voice
As from a soft wind
"For a lifetime," God whispered,
"Forever to blend."
It twined itself round us
Supporting life's weight,
It held us securely,
Saying, "Just hold on tight!"
It reformed us through winters,
It refreshed us by springs,
When life's seasons are over...
"Adieu!"
"We will leave on Love's wings."
Helen Peterson
Feb 7, 1998
May the nightbirds bless you with their tongues,
The whippoorwill to sigh upon you
And the night hawk to whisper to you.
May the owls keep your watch,
As you close your bright eyes.
May the river wash your weary soul,
And carry you softly home.
May the mountain keep you in its shadow
And surround you with its long arms
And give you tender hugs.
May the angel armies encamp about you,
And watch in all directions.
May you see their dimly lit campfires,
And hear their happy angel songs
That drive away your fear.
May Venus and Jupiter keep watch upon you,
And the starry hosts smile above your head.
May the Milky Way sing your lullaby,
As you lay your head upon the clouds
And dream sweet dreams.
May those dreams be sweet and pure,
Of good and soft and gentle things.
May you make many friends there
And remember them all when you awake.
May they all come true tomorrow.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
And make His face to shine upon you.
And be gracious to you.
May He lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Matthew Hoover,
October 2005
Once Again
Once again
Change reigns
Crisp spring dawns
Birds trill songs
Sun warmed earth eases
Iced patch still teases
Worms wiggle out new mud trenches
To be eaten as birdie munches.
Helen Peterson
March 15, 2007
