My Beloved, by Dr. Thomas Davison
Enduring life without you- back-packing alone
Attempting to bury deep in the woods- my memories of you
Deeper into the southern Ohio woodlands- than ever before
Three days without human contact- the noises- the distractions
Alone in these ancient woods- with solely- the old trees for company
No trails here- only faint paths- left behind- by the skittish animals
Staring into the distant woods- entrenched within a prayerlike daydream
Yearning for you- my partner-my beloved- the one who left me behind
When without forewarning- there you are
My beloved redbird
Some declare– you– the cardinal– the redbird
Harbor the spirit of loved ones lost
Reappear as a messenger- harbinger- a guardian
Others call it foolish to believe in you
Are you a visitor from the heavens- or simply a feathered friend?
How can I be certain?
My beloved redbird
I want to acknowledge your divine origin- trust in your purpose
Here– in this chapel of nature- this tribute to her beauty- where the deepest peace abides
I want nothing more than to have faith in you– tiny messenger- to truly believe
But a small part of me- remains distrustful- uncertain
Why must I doubt- why can’t I believe fully- I fear the voices of ridicule
My beloved redbird
No- stop!
Please don’t take flight- I take it back- I didn’t mean it
There are no doubts remaining in me- I promise you
I believe in you now- recognize you- perceive you
Please stay- don’t abandon me– again
My Beloved
* dedicated to the memory of Pat Duty (1939-1995)