Children of the Storm

At daybreak, I heard the birds

Brag of their new loves

In the dark oak trees

Around my house.

 

And in that half-light

And sweet awakening,

I shivered under the blankets,

Naked as I was,

Remembering the way you used to rise early

With soft step,

Obscure purpose,

 

To stand at the open window,

Breathing the silence

With eyes raised

Watching the light’s slow coming,

Coming to say,

You have been exceptionally favored

By a power magnificent and terrible.