In the Night
Karen Hallenbeck-Sikorsky-George BS,RN
January 8th, 2007


It was dim, grey, and the snow cloud proffered flakes of diamond ice, today
Did turn into night without asking for dinner, and the fresh baked apple pie
Sits on the counter top, untouched, still fragrant and warm, inviting just one
Vanilla scoop of ice cream to sit and melt upon her, that winter wind is blowing
A gust from the east, and the humidity drops rapidly, the forecast of a blizzard
Causes no response, they sit huddled, tired in front of the television, the news

Changes little, war, national debt, and terrorism are as common
As a roll of white toilet paper, rolling endlessly to the cardboard roll to
Remain on the hook, unused, wasted, and a task of the endurance
Bodily function, what this last breath of air must mean to the dying?

Child dream, a mere fantasy, those half used crayons are lovingly left
Rolling off the kitchen table; scarred wood bearing years of children
Coloring, playing, baking cookies with mother, and the smell of Sunday
Dinner leaves your heart beating a bit fast, stomach growling to ask for
More, and that walk around the block is enough to make you wish for
A snack, a cold drink (or hot chocolate), and that furry friend waits to

Catch crumbs from your dinner, or better yet your ice cream dish
The stars are brilliant they have seen summer, winter, and the
In between seasons of fall and spring, with heavy uncertain rains
Temperature changes, high then low, and some hail at times

Ice skating in the city, dressed in brilliant red wool, cheeks flushed legs
Sore and muscles burning, those white socks are just not warm enough
Falling on your rump (just one more time) brings laughter, a sense of one
As the two of you hold hands, and round the rink, appearing to others so
Rhythmic, and yet you hold on for dear life, care not who sees you fall
The moon is a dim flashlight bulb, burning through the snow clouds ahead

Be there for the picnic, bring soda, and ice, plenty of ice
Who cooked the baked beans, fried chicken, this simple feast is
Enough to feed a King's army, and yet in this shady place a
Rowboat on the pond beckons, the words "I do" seem commonplace

To begin the day the sun must rise, with or without your permission and
Whether or not you slept enough, were restless, had nightmares or
Fragmented pieces of dream, come to life as events remembered the
Years, are kind enough to surface like minnows in the pond, in a school
Together swimming, teaming, diving deeper until the surface is calm
Quiet, "what were we doing anyhow" and you take pride in being alive

Graduation day comes, each day, there are 24 hours to come
Full circle, to practice your lessons (in life), and be kind to another
To speak publicly with concern, truth, and humble quiet there is no
Final exam, yet your diploma waits if you accept it from He who saves

Did I drive this distance alone, several nights before Christmas, there is
No snow here, and the interstate is less crowded than anticipated and
The numbness and nausea are less prevalent, as the cars zoom by and
Truckers speed into the left lane ending their runs to be with a loved one
For the day, the night (in the night) and the moon is shining and the
Season is warm this year, if you did not know or remember where you are

Then you are here (with me) and whether you smile or cry you
"Are" the wonderful being created in great and unconditional love
By the Higher Power they speak of who made all of us, great and
Small, happy and sad, and certainly the innocent children who are

All there is to go beyond our legacy, to wipe our tired brow when the day
Comes, to assure us that they will help us see, walk, and be free of harm
Can we believe (yes we must), can we trust (yes we can), can we love
As children do with innocence, great intensity, endurance and of course
With "forever" for today is the beginning and the end, the high and the low
In the night a rose blooms, blushes pink, so pale as lips on a spring night...

Just one kiss, there is love..