We begin with whiskey – lots of it.

We get laughing real quick and throw our heads back

and yell and toss our youth to the sky.

We dance.

We dance while the moon comes out, white-lit and friendly,

just for us.

And the night takes us by the hand to twirling lengths.

Look down and you’ll see that trodden lawn,

Muddy and sparse beneath the weight of a thousand joys.

Look beside you at the violin strains circling in the arms of a perfect musician.

Listen to the perfect music.

See my friends?

My friends the brave and generous,

The unspoiled souls drinking and laughing.

Stamping by the fire, their hands reach out for its heat.

And I.

Myself, watching on enjoy their looks, enjoy the capable youth

emanating from each.

We the suffering, we the singing, we the splendid radiance gathered.

And God is here with us –

in the shining light of our eyes

in the warmth of our breath.