My first and last thoughts

In the starlight I see their faces

smiling

crying

yawning

gleaming

In the starlight I see their faces

As the moon rises and falls

faces swim before me and I see

seventh graders

on the brink of growing

on the brink of loving

ready to experiment

to be eagles or doves

As the moon rises and falls

As the clock works the small hours

I see

family tragedies

families torn by unwhole adults

pain on little faces

they write of that which they know

I reread pain

I ask

have I helped

did I hurt you

did I see, understand

forgiveness for failing to be more

As the clock works the small hours

My first and last thoughts