Poem: Origami

Sometimes circumstances surpass me.

The experience sets me wincing and flinching.

And I sense my composure unfolding,

—Torn open by the wind.  

.

And my shoulders draw in. 

And my chest tightens up.

And my breathing shrinks back.

And I’m suddenly standing

.

They reel scary close in all directions at once.

Their songless chatter, too high pitched.

And the waves crash too loud.

And the wind whips my hair.

And I cannot, by golly, keep my skirt down!

.   

God of Jacob! Son of David!

Have mercy on me!

Give me a crumb!

Tell it to cease!

Where is your hem?

.

Then, the noise stops.

The gulls freeze in flight.

And I’m in the Momentary Museum,

Walking through an art display

Of paper birds suspended on strings.

.

Thoughtfully, quietly,

I unfold one,

an origami bird,

a letter from my soul.

.  

Small voice quaking,

I read aloud the scribbles.

Timid eyes lifting,

I decide to meet His gaze.

.

And I find Him kind.

So, I tell Him more.

And I find myself calm,

So I resolve to do it again.

.

He tucks it in His breast pocket,

for safekeeping.

And together we head home.