3: The Celebration

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1791781527

III

The very earliest rays of the sun were now beginning to hug the curve of the earth, and the mountain’s birds began a network of tweets to tell all of life that the day was beginning again.

“Life!  You strange collection of mysteries!  You flowing river through calm and rapid, depth and shallow!  You flowing collection of all things kind enough to combine and shape through me.

How much I love you in your certain words of ‘end’ and ‘beginning’!  And what flows between the two is an honor to behold!

I seek to justify my relationship with you, I seek to thank you for everything you have granted me!

Your gifts of depth and height are enough to excuse your awkward silence!

Your necessities of despair and goal, joy and achievement are enough to live a thousand times before you say your final word!”

IV

Cliff, eager to justify life, sang thus:

“Ah!  Life!  You silent overflowing and rich spring, I have a song for you, just because you don't ask for one.  How I love you for not asking!

Unknowing were born

Into life’s flowing stream.

To silence its sworn,

Despite how much you dream.

From slumber you’re torn,

By that mistress who’s deep.

She whispers to warn

Of the abyss so steep.

Despair grows with thorn

And it clutches you whole,

But don't numb or mourn:

You are gifted a goal!

Channel all life’s spring

Toward despair’s command.

Hear how depth would sing,

Her words do more than strand.

They compose the ring,

The tone of your work’s voice.

When you form the thing,

To you it will rejoice.

Outfitted with wing,

You reach day’s joyous height.

But don't calm or cling:

Restart, Repeat the night!”