An Ascensiontide poem

Even as you wave goodbye

 

On a mountain somewhere,

lifted up for all to see

you went

Just when we were beginning to have fun.

So, as if to comfort me,

a little while

you promised to be with me

not just now but always.

How could I have believed you

(fool that I am)

“I’ll be with you always”

as you waved goodbye.

Now on that same mountain

years later,

and then a little while,

why do I stand looking up

wishing, waiting, wanting

your return.

My soul longs for you.

And as I stand there gazing

I look sideways,

left and right,

and backwards

and see you standing here with me.

While that for which I am least grateful

tries to tell me

you deserted me

That for which I am most grateful

reminds me

that you enlivened me

you thrilled me

summoned me.

Not to float away

but to remember

that with you

a promise is a promise

even as you wave goodbye.