Of Blessings and Banes

Of the bird that swoops gracefully,
Bathes sweetly in my fountain,
Cackles at my window loudly,
To wake me up too early.

Of winter snow that cleanses me,
Raising hopes with new waters,
To become a sweet mess
of mud and grime.

Of gray bearded grandma’s
unconditional love,
The smell of tobacco breath,
I must turn my head.

Of my beautiful children,
With pink cheeks and smiles
that grow into a teenage
cicatrix on my soul.

Of life’s blessings and banes,
Changing colors that match
my mixed character of spirit
and garden sin.

Of the question of mercy,
What surety is there,
When comes the end,
Or is it the beginning?