c.

the shore is a cathedral
cracks in the sky
light the stucco, and the cliffside, and the palm
trees to living glass
cut by the soft foliage on the rockface

the moon cut by rafters and pines
is holy
over the water

the moon caught in the clouds
high over the building, the smoky night
is an icon

the past strays into the future
the breathing wire
the past rings into the future like a
heartbeat, humming
like the crack of a breath on teeth
like the sight of air leaving the
throat
       cast back into the sky
  over the shoulder

these days are passed
these days have passed so that
the days to come may ring with their passing

cvi.

this place, these people--chattering under the lights

leaning against the slats, 

the mountains to the left, thunderheads glowing on the snow

may all the spirits bless this place--

these bright children, these busy citizens

walking through the city, bustling down the freeway

down by the road--under the overpass

in the shade

the sun shine bright but not sharp, 

come down upon you through the branches

the mountains hold you, just under the sky

---

the fear came to you, and you did not know

but you live, though--you are living still

you don't need to fear, I will hold you

and my grasp will not fail you, and my grip

will not falter--

if I swing you forward--you carry me forward, 

and we will go, we will all go forward, 

together--across the line, 

not one less, and not one missing