I used to write when he was fast asleep
I could concentrate enough and keep my words
Now he sleeps forever in the deep
Will the Resurrection make our bodies leap
Bring back flowers and little ladybirds?
I used to write when he was fast asleep
He is vivid presence in my dreams
There his honeyed voice will still be heard
He’s gone to dwell where life is dark and deep
In a ray of light, a black sunbeam
Shows the hidden value of the Word
I used to write when he was fast asleep
The voice of Place itself makes widows keen
In the woods, the trees all shake and stir
Yet he sleeps forever in the deep
“God will give no more than we can bear”
Must we believe the traumatized should learn?
I used to write when he was fast asleep
Then I’d give him tea and would not weep
