I'd Like to Spend Today With God

Today I was led to write a poem on Day 3 of Beth Kempton's Winter Writing Sanctuary. Poetry is not a strength, but it brought up some feelings along with the memories it sparked so I don't hate it. You do not share these feelings, so I apologize if it is atrocious. :D

I'd like to spend today with God

And do what He can do.

He is said to be ever-present,

So, by his side, I could be at any past time.

I'd watch my mom tanning on the dock,

her long hair fanned out on the towel

next to the spider-murdering flip-flop

that was never far from her side.

I'd be there when she laughed at the silly rock bass

as they kissed her painted toes.

I'd sit next to her and watch the sun set

my hand on hers, silent as a spirit.

I'd use the warm sunny breeze

to whisper, "Do not move away."

The future would have been different

if she had stayed.

I'd go back to when my dad

paddled us to the middle of the lake

to watch the meteor shower.

I'd latch onto each word he said that night,

just me and him under the stars,

because I've forgotten them.

I'd revel in his childlike spark of wonder

that surfaced whenever he shared

the night sky with me.

I'd write to him with the stardust

on a clear, moonless night, "Do not move away."

The future would have been different

if he had stayed.