lenten journal: prelude

My continuing conversation with Rob Walker led me to these words today:

Next time you have dinner planned with someone you care about, arrive (or plant yourself nearby) early. And do nothing. Observe the world; think about the person you’re about to see; cleanse your mental palate of other obligations or distractions. A significant moment deserves a considered prelude. Be ready.

prelude

maybe that’s the way to think about the days between now

and when we finally get to hug and smile unemcumberedly

to shed tears that won’t get caught in our masks

waiting expectantly is not the same thing as passing the time

can we foster our exhaustion water our lives from the

growing reservoir of anger let despair become a doorstep

we know the day is coming life will not always be this way

if a significant moment does deserve a considered prelude

then I am going to sit here under the worm moon

and picture your face your voice your hug

and do all I can to get ready to take it all in

Peace, Milton