Iris

breathing holiness released
aware of simple touch
behind my life always
background music
the pressing of captured memory into word
I've known it all along

into an afternoon
a little girl twirled
to swing awhile and talk
reminding me of a love we shared
and the purple Iris

sun changes
it turns to darkness
and sitting still
and watching rains
and I am surprised
at what is always the most difficult when left behind

toddlers to men
removing our shoes
we kneel
remembering
being together
a lifetime of gardens
the goodness of God poured out
where
our hands broke
our feet touched
a small place full of God's glory
the closest to heaven that I'll ever be