James Hambrook

(or grasping life's grammar)

You ask me if I might drive and I decline You drive well with growing confidence We find the perfect place to park for now and for when we return So close to the beach, to sea, to sand, sun, wind, shells.

Walking seaward, we see at once The vast well of mediterranean blue Three generations of mind suddenly one Present joy, simple joy. Life is good This one.

We walk, seeking the perfect spot Or at least as perfect as the present can be When good, even perfect, options seem infinite. Like which shell to pick up? Which to take home? Which wave to stand in? Or jump over? Or dive into? This one This one.

Which day to say is good out of so many? This one Which moment to say: I am here.

You talk of a higher power. To guide when you cannot You hope so Of so many mindful thoughts. So many heartful hopes Which thought to pick up? Which hope to dive into? This one.

You look at me I think I am almost like a son-in-law to you Because of an absence you heartful fill without pause: Love of your brother and all that was, should be, is, his You are my Aunty now after so many years of ‘in law’ this and that You are my children’s granny So, your brother’s absence left no gap A higher power worked through you. Heartfelt, filling without pause Life is good This one.

Intractable present worry about struggles in your future absence Abstract thought in your heart and mind Yet more concrete and clear Is today’s answer Your heartfelt, filling without pause is from a higher power Who will not end, though all the shells have been picked, All the waves chosen All the days blessed.