As I lay dying
there were no regrets,
. . . because I answered back

From all beginnings
to every distant end,
. . . I answered back

Not waiting for any higher calling
or mystery on the wind,
. . . I answered back

Before the questions, even after the
secrets,
. . . I answered back

I shouted in voices of my own becoming,
and you forgave me for every one,
. . . and answered back too

Spreading your wings
eternal,
...inviting me to climb on

Pointing me toward the
heavens,
...for one last ride

Where I hold on triumphant,
listening to you announce into forever,
. . . those things I’ve said

(Villanova Pennsylvania: May, 2011)