TALISMAN

WHAT MATTERS
ARE AGES GROWN
INTO THE IVORY OF BONE
CARVED
LIFE
TALISMAN
A TREE
WITH ROOTS OF HIGH SCHOOL DREAMS
THE LINE OF LAND
THE CROSS OF JESUS
MAKES A PROMISE
EASTER MORNING COLD
AGAINST MY HEART
OF GROWTH OF THORNS
THAT MUST BE CUT
AND CUT AGAIN
LIFE THAT WILL NOT DIE
IS HEAVEN THERE
FOR THORNS
BURNED TO ASH
IN GARDEN RINGS
AND RAKED INTO THE LINE OF LAND
THORNS GROW
INTO THE HEARTS
OF NEW CORN STALKS
INTO MY HEART
IS HEAVEN THERE?
(APR/3/1983, REH)