I think I've forgotten to post this poem in the past, even though I love it and think its last three lines are some of the best I've ever read.
A Blessingby James Wright
Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,
Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.
And the eyes of those two Indian ponies
Darken with kindness.
They have come gladly out of the willows
To welcome my friend and me.
We step over the barbed wire into the pasture
Where they have been grazing all day, alone.
They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness
That we have come.
They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.
There is no loneliness like theirs.
At home once more,
They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.
I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,
For she has walked over to me
And nuzzled my left hand.
She is black and white,
Her mane falls wild on her forehead,
And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear
That is delicate as the skin over a girl's wrist.
Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom.
Butcher’s Block (A Song)
Orion, swing your shield down low
Cover me in this time of need
Big Dipper, swing your ladle down low
Give me water in this time of need
Butcher’s block, I’ll lie on your scars
Of the past and I’ll look at the stars
All I’d like is a candle bright
On the sill of someone I love
River, rush your waters over land
Sail me in this time of need
Crops, push through the soil over land
Feed me in this time of need
Butcher’s block, I’ll lie on your scars
Of the past and I’ll look at the stars
All I’d like is a candle bright
On the sill of someone I love
Branches, lift your leaves to the sky
Shade me in this time of need
Mountains, show off your strength to the sky
Shelter me in this time of need
Butcher’s block, I’ll lie on your scars
Of the past and look at the stars
All I’d like is a candle bright
On the sill of someone I love9.7.09
c.l.l.
