Adam David Miller

An Amazing Moment

They were ready for something like this,
these Methodist men ending their retreat
on a Sunday morning.

we poets,used to singing with
silences, listened: "Amazing grace,
howsweet the sound."

One began, another followed,
'That saved a wretch like me."
By the third line we had all joined in.

We all became Africa singing.

Walker Ranch: breakfast
in the cafeteria. A joy-filled
circle, hands clasped, throats
full open.

These Methodist men, deep
strong voices. Our voices
weave harmony.

Believers

Sometimes on gray mornings
it is necessary to believe.
I miss the nights

I'll make a Believer out of you,
said the Christian as he smashed the the face
of the infidel.

I'll make a Believer out of you,
said the Muslim as he smashed the infidel's
face.

All this infidel face smashing
has got to stop. We can't all be
going round with bent noses, crossed eyes
and missing teeth.

I miss the nights, where we could evade
the thought police.
Let's hear it for infidels!

Sometimes on gray mornings,
especially on gray mornings,
I find it necessary to believe
in myself,
despite the raging and
the ravages
of the face smashers outside.

I Hoped You Would Stay

I wanted you to come and you did.
You came and you stayed,
then you left

I hoped you would come and you came.
You came, you stayed and stayed,
then you went away.

I prayed you would come but you didn't.
I begged you to come but you wouldn't.
I look to see the swayin your walk,
or your skip. After all, it is Spring,
when sap rises, and geese return.

You took our dream when you left,
When you left you took my breath.

I see them now these words of love
implanted under the hill, that opened
the leaf, the bud, the flower,
the forever never words no doubt can faze.

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Cover Design: Joseph McNair