Poems & Prayers

This section explores romantic love from a variety of perspectives. 

“Revel in the Post” is about the languid, peaceful aftermath of sex between a husband and wife. Time slows and the birds sing new songs; the pleasant, fulfilled mood continues throughout the night. The poem ends with the prayer that instructs readers to follow their hearts as they make their journey in life. 

Several poems are straightforward love lyrics in the long tradition of love poetry. “Once a week I cry for thanks” expresses love for an unnamed individual, likely his wife. The speaker feels the pain of knowing that one day he will lose her. “Meet You in the Middle” is a love poem about two people with different backgrounds who understand each other’s pasts and accept each other as they are. “It’s a bloody waltz on the wings of screaming eagles” has a completely different tone; it is a love poem filled with violent imagery. 

Other poems are about the need for selflessness and moral rectitude in relationships. “Truth Slave” is a reminder to embrace truth, personified as a woman who should be a companion for life. A sobering admonishment follows: People you know will die, but they “would have lived longer had you been a better friend” (Line 4).