Ponder

Your children ran ahead down
woodland trails      always waited
laughing     at forks for your nod
always settled within the comfort
of your soothing songs
as you showed them the sky

I know    the contrary paths
they’re now choosing     tear
at you     & how they’re distracted
by shiny stones down in the dirt
with no God-vision    or sense
of all you long to share

I ponder    how I    not bitten
by the worm that gnaws your soul  
can know a thing     for my hurt
is not the same     & you
blame yourself   for the dry land
devoid of music   where they wander