blessing

The richness of deep earth warming in spring
the wealth of the sunlight lapped up by water
the steadfastness growing branching and strong
the wisdom of age as it blesses the young -
these would I covet;
these I would cherish;
these I would garland
about all my sons.

The largeness of sky at nighttime or day
unfettered by lights, unbounded by glass
The fairness of wind; the wildness, the wonder
and beauty that raggedly sweeps breath away -
these would I covet;
these I would cherish;
these I would garland
around daughters someday.

The life in the dry seed, the deep tidal current
the moon and the planets, the elephant’s way
the mystery of knowing what another is feeling
the blessings of God back from Adam's birth day -
These would I covet;
these I would cherish;
these I would garland
round about all my family -

- and softly would treasure
the riches around me -
no diamonds could ever
buy these away.