March 11: Silence, Psalm 3, and Tsunami

I do not have a lot of time for introductions to my poem tonight.  It's been a really busy day, afternoon, and evening.  I'm currently working on my sister's laptop, typing this blog.  I'm going to get right to it.  But please, take some time this evening to think about and pray for the people of Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami.  Without further ado, here is my poem.

Psalm 3:  In Praise of Silence

Praise the Lord for the silence of dusk
As it shifts the air from winter sun
To winter moon, the melt of snow
To something hard as onyx or bone.
Praise the ring of eardrum in quiet.
It vibrates, hums with the memory
Of the day, news of tsunami in Japan,
The lives of thousands swept away
Like crumbs from Friday dinner
Of lentils, crackers, apple juice,
The tablecloth taken outside, shaken,
The way my grandmother taught me,
For lost souls who roam the night,
Tap on black window glass, hungry
For light, warmth, or prayer.
Praise the tide of heart in my chest,
Calm waves of blood, in, out, in, out,
Reminding me this night that I am safe.  Alive.