if ever
for my words you ache
just listen for the night –
the steady drum
of stars succumb
to heaven chasing light
the cry of crickets
fiddles ring
as shadows round are cast
cedar boughs
forgiven now –
are kneeling on the grass
the stir of
night birds waking
to find another song
things I might have told you
– they will hold you
when I’m gone

. . .