This is quite delicately written, delicate and precise, or seemingly
precise. My problem in getting as close to this as I would like to have done
is the 'mercy' bit. I see mercy as being in the gift of a king, a ruler, a
potentate or even some higher being. The 'You' of the poem is capitalised
but it is at the head of a sentence so I am not sure if the forgiveness and
truth and mercy, (all fundamentally religious concepts, although not limited
to that field),are from God or a human lover. The confusion may be entirely
mine, Barbara. I don't think the comma between 'self-will' and 'pruned'
should be there. A tight little poem and a good read but the confusion
remains. Arthur.
----- Original Message -----
From: Barbara Ostrander
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 3:10 PM
Subject: Sub: Songs in the Night


Songs in the Night

In light of mercy,
all shifts into place.
The hidden grudge is purged,
self-will, pruned,
compassion overlays judgment,
peace calms the storm,
and my ear begins to hear again
a whisper
as truth and forgiveness join.
You have taught me to sing
songs in the night.

I love,
but would love more.

BBO
3/25/03