penultimate

4
1948

penultimate

it was the night before
though I suppose I could
say it was the last night
but that is not how I’ve
ever thought of it

nothing was ending
everything was beginning

we gathered everyone
we could think of in the
fellowship hall to tell
stories eat barbecue
and mark the moment

nothing was ending
everything was beginning

the guys gathered to share
communion afterwards
as many groomsmen as
Jesus had disciples
and then I tried to sleep

nothing was ending
everything was beginning

more than a quarter of
a century ago
we are sharing some wine
planning for tomorrow
and I’m ready for sleep

nothing was ending
everything was beginning . . .

Peace,
Milton

4 COMMENTS

  1. “I’m going to find myself a girl
    Who can show me what laughter means

    And when the morning light comes streaming in
    We’ll get up and do it again, amen”
    — Jackson Browne

    See, I like this old song, but you’re offering a positive, happy but wistful memory (without any cynical edge). Thanks for this, brother.

Leave a Reply