116 - For Changes: Outside the Student Union

August 15, 2002

My brother, Dave and my friend, Laura will be taking their oldest children, daughters, to college in two weeks. These first-time college parents are trying to balance the delight and the heart squeeze of separation. Seven years ago, I was that first-timer, waiting and wishing.

One Hundred Sixteen

For Changes
Outside the Student Union

Sometimes You ask me to stand still.
And trembling, gasping for a calm center,
I gather in the flying limbs of my frenzy,
Even as I thrash against this amber capture.

Sometimes You ask me to hold tight.
With faint belief in my own courage,
I wrap my limbs in fixed contractures
Even as I turn my head to hide the weeping.

Sometimes You ask me to move on.
Against my pleading, my shout for clock's unturning,
You birth me again and again,
Your guiding hand forever steady.

Sometimes You ask me to let go.
Slowly, persistently, I relax my option,
And discover a spectrum of choices
Contained in Your next chapter.

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