Beam-Ends

Cristobal, so pink in your blue suit Limbs flailing, condemned You will grow so quick to learn Vicarious loss and sorrow The light is now in the ground We weep and gnash for love taken The children’s pain a thin veil of my own A pox, a pox on all the world But a savior A mother without her children Children without their mother My God what a tentative brace We pray ‘’ballast our keel’’ When I look at Helen With that very special stride It’s quickness I wonder where she has been What brutal weight she must carry Daughters become mothers Where is the chance for them Oh Helen of the slippery gait My own life is a ship Laid on its beams end Coming very slowly Up to the wind As I contemplate chains and pens Listening to thumps and laughter She slides through to say And to brighten my day ''Without a close eye The little lovelies will run wild They just will'' With a bitter tear I can but struggle ‘’Grasp the steer board’’ But none can guide our way Save one