'forever'
I
a word and a concept
used unhesitatingly
far outreaching earthly
nearsightedness
when man sees only
love
not clothed in any kind
reality
but festooned with the garlands
of the dream of grace
II
what does man mean with
these sacred
whispered promises
of the infinite of perfection?
this man who walks is no
seer
but simply one whose foundations
by cosmic definition
rest in perfect harmony
with that most perfect universe
this is man
made in the shadow of tall
redwoods
in the fertile belly of
the sea
from clay and stones and
fire
from the ashes of those
who walked
from those who loved fought
killed flew
from air love stars black
holes and nothing
for this Woman
for this Mother
for this universe which
is space and time and birth and feeling
and the most sacred of unconditional
love
measured in light years
by those who think such
glory
can be measured at all
III
back
to the future of forever
as related by this man vessel
fired in this kiln of these
most sacred of recyclables
where planet opposed planet
and stars agreed on ingredients
through the absence of coincidence
IV
how not forever
how could not this love
formed from fire and ice
in some primordial circular instant
be enduring on and on and
on and on
since the last of that singular
vast circumference
the last of this pulsating
diamond of perfect love
for this man in this perfect
grace
has no end at all
Richard Harrison
2-2-98
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