A broad flat field of azure
Infinitely coated with wrinkles
Is layered with tiny bright diamonds
Dancing to beyond my reach
And leading my eye to sheer ecstasy:
This world is mine to keep.
My hand decides the journey;
The breeze decides the time
But adds to benefits given this day
By caressing my spirit inside.
The sun, a noble warrior,
Slashes at treasures mine,
But ever the kind and simple –
God’s breath, for now, inspires.
My vessel is bold and responsive
Like a thoroughbred testing his rein –
The sails cut out a mumbled shudder
As eddies crisscross the sky
And add to the spray and salted mist
That fogs the compass and me.
Quiet, vivid, softly sweet –
Somewhere to go has never been
As beautifully sung to me before
For I cross though paradise.
Thank you God for this your gift.
I taste the delicate flavor
So gentle to take only by mind
That study and ponder is a must.
For the diamonds are hidden inside.
R.H. MacDonald
18 Aug 1993
