What principle stands in front of their little high school in a polo,
with sunglasses, and a cup of coffee?
My family’s Mormon so we aren’t fans of the coffee,
But stay, and drink whatever you want.
Because we can use a good sheriff in this academic town
Who will drive forty miles each way.
And you are at this double set of blue double doors every morning
Greeting everyone by name.
Some students get less at home.
The human body is not designed to fully contain the soul.
Some spills out, as it should.
But when you spill all,
Oh!–when you turn upside down and pour, pour and stand for filling
Select that repositor carefully!
(My mother responds,
“Practice what you preach, Darling.”
“Mom,” I say,
“I’m fine.”)
Hear my soft footfalls?
I with quiet rubber pass,
Minding myself.
And my dress shoes?
They power and startle.
Tip-tap! Tip-tap!
But toes in grass
Make soundless steps
And shadow falls away.
In the day when Eden’s foliage
First put on the briar and thorn,
Man retained the glorious promise
Of a Savior to be born—
That from this telestial sorrow
Still might rise celestial morn.
Now our walls are all before Him,
Ancient, strong as Jericho.
Oh, that He who carried Joshua
Condescended here below!
Star above us—sign of heaven,
Love within us—sign of dove;
Confirmation cometh jointly:
Thou wilt show us truest love.
I saw Esther’s daughter
Visit grave of darkling Haman,
Leaving hours after
A chamomile gift.
Exercise In Sight 