Day 13 of Poetry Month... THE FIRST GOODBYE

THE FIRST GOODBYE

God sent his angels earthward

to behold the raging seas,

to watch the gulls in graceful flight 

and feel the winds blow free.

They listened with appraising ear 

till nightingales were done,

and spun the earth a time or two

to test the setting sun.

They tasted with discerning tongues

the melon, fresh with dew,

then rested, in the blossomed shade

of springtime’s branches new.

And seeing that his winged hosts 

were pleased with what they found,

God placed his treasure, clothed in goodness

there, upon the ground.

From Whippoorwills He took a song 

and filled the still, sweet air,

with sunlight warmed his treasure’s heart, 

and touched him with a prayer.

God stilled the rivers, hushed the winds, 

as slow, the sun fell deep,

and with a night bird’s silver song, 

He lulled his child to sleep.

And then with morning’s crystal dew

He touched the infant’s eyes,

And brought him honey from the comb, 

And bade the infant rise.

God led his child through fields of green, 

Where breezes cooled his face,

He taught him of his wonders wrought, 

And filled him with his grace.

And then He smiled, and blessed his child, 

And with a knowing sigh,

He bade him walk through paths of love, 

Then, kissed His child goodbye.

© Sally Stevens 1959