Holding hands with Shannon Leigh
Enthrallment consuming me
Trees flex their dusk filigree
Bobbing as if they agree
Pitch blank possibility
Revel in this day’s decay
Bemused I should feel this way
Summer blooms share their bouquet
Nature’s splendid verve soiree
As we bask within that sway
Moonlight glints from your clear eye
While we speak of days gone by
Tears roll as you say goodbye
Your uncle, that caring guy,
Fled this realm towards the sky
Your damp cheek feels my caress
As we share your grim distress
Calm your woe while I confess
Grave tethers dance with finesse
Faith of soul I must profess
That proud chapel on the hill
Called my spirit to fulfill
Divine promise and His will
Served by consciousness until
My father was stricken ill
Within this most humbling state
I began to doubt my fate
Circumstance wields massive weight
As I toiled through that debate
Father Tom helped consecrate
The gracious priest fell sick too
Yet defeat didn’t crash through
To quell the word that sang true
Mortal fears shall not accrue
When covenant cleanses you
My last visit to his bed
Filled my heart with so much dread
I could see his fragile thread
His selfless prayers asked instead
To flee to God in Dad’s stead
Summoned angels praised his creed
As my eardrums heard him plead
Dad’s dilemma did recede
As if even God agreed
To favor Father Tom’s deed
I witnessed a noble prize
As the life drained from his eyes
Lessons snared my heart most wise
Pride in knowing Tom’s demise
Proved a blessing in disguise
When I feel my soul drag low
And depression taunts my flow
I view Father Tom’s brave glow
The benign hope he did show
His sacrifice helped me grow
I watch you quiver near me
As your jaw drops to your knee
That warm face lights up with glee
Even those perched birds can see
All your torment start to flee
Surprise shreds me like a bomb
Your uncle was Father Tom!
Righteous brother to your mom
Grace shields us from the maelstrom
Mysteries collide with aplomb
Share a hug under brave skies
As gratitude forms to rise
Building to an immense size
God’s charm summons a reprise
As our love flows to baptize