to permanence through the racing moments
you were
when the black road leading forward
had no ending and no turning back
the quiet cove holding no judgments
toward the causes of the wreckage
you were
when ocean swells rose unabated
fueled by relentless storms
the banquet table holding out to me
ample sustenance
you were
when my larder was empty
and my fires had grown cold
guardian of confessions
mender of shattered glass
planter of seeds of renewal
you were
the witness, the comforter, the celebrant
- pb 2012 -