Graham and Me on the Punee
Solid chunk of baby boy in my arms
Out on the patio, bamboo screening on the roof above
The whole house empty except for one lady, a boy and his dog
Soft rhythmic rattle of wind through the banana and palm leaves
Patterns of dappled shade playing over us on the punee cushions
Little white dog napping on the sunny deck
Songs of a dozen kinds of birds from all sides
Water fountain gurgling as the flute section
Sparrows, finches, towhees flying about in an air show
One hovering hummingbird observing us from both sides
The whole hour soft and supporting
Nature’s heart disguised as breezes ruffling our clothes
Like a show performed for just us two
We talked--
4 month old Graham: “ouh ouh bl bl aaa”
64 year old me: “boo bah boo pa oh oh tu tu”
G: “bl wa ouh nn aah”
Me: “tut ah pa pa pa mm oo oo”
G: “wuh uh wa ehhhh”
We were considerate, waiting for the other to complete their thought
Our conversation covered many things
With words of peace and connection
I could never have imagined such a scene
Yet it was there for us, with my full presence as perfect as an infant
Languid, quiet, the moments of stillness lived perfectly
Nothing to seek or change or be off to do
A few moments sublime, unbidden, a gift.
I can be there now and wonder at it again.
April 18, 2008
