Gethsemane: Keep Awake
The guns across the river keep shooting.
The jerries are re-grouping in the woods.
I didn’t mean to leave you. They tell me
the war is over. But I can hear the guns.
Our platoon has drawn the enemy’s
attention. Yesterday, they shot Tom.
Death is our gift for the birthday of time.
I love the sun and stars more than most.
I never rest but watch the river, farms,
and mountains. I know every secret of month
and year. You are goodness. Life is
horror. I can’t smoke because of the danger.
I miss the easiness of bed and slumber.
On the third day of October, I sent you
a tender sign of fall, a shadow from
a tree outside my window. Do not hide
your face. Do not turn away in anger.
I have news that will make humanity
rejoice. Our days are hard.
God’s nights endure forever.
number 22 in the 2River Chapbook Series
Copyright 2River. Please do not use or reproduce without permission.