Lou J. Klaiber

A PRAYER

Oh Father of the sky…
bright
with sunlight and vision.

Night sky lit with guiding stars
… shadows upon the Moon!
Prayers that fly!

You have counseled with me
in dreams.
Taught me things in the silence…
and I am not alone.

You have drawn your circle of warriors
boldly
across the sky.

Touched a finger to your lips
and whispered
to the souls of the brave
… gone!
to their home with you.

You have touched me.
You have promised a home for my brothers…
and a home for me.
I thank you!

……………………… Oh Mother of this Earth!
Keeper of rain and green things…
love grows within our hearts
because of you!

I shall remain your brave son
… shall love you until the day
or night when I shall die.

A new day…
… and not alone, shall I die.

My spirit will journey from your loving arms
… with your blessing…
to a new home with my Father
in the far sky of eternity!

All anthems and poems are small
when written without the beauty
of birdsong…
The sound of fast water…
rolling waves…
breezes…
and dancing leaves!
Raindrops…
and rolling thunder!… and the laughter
of frogs
and crickets…
and insects deep within a summer’s night.

I had to go very far away
to walk in a valley of violence
and death…
called War!

Had to go far from myself
to find myself…
in others!

Had to paint my face…
my soul!
Had to rage for life
as part of me died… while holding the dead in my arms.

Part of me has returned in love for you
Mother!
My soul
has wrapped itself
around this very world.