Ever Present

I think I saw you there.
While being bathed and cared for
When I was not able to write your name
or appreciate your word

I think I saw you there
When I first tasted ice cream
You made cold a treat
and surrounded me with sweetness

I think I saw you there
Even when I almost drowned
"almost" was my salvation
And you would save again

I think I saw you there
in the tender touch of my father
in a time of illness I would not rue-
to also lose the touch

I think I saw you there
"Oh Happy Day when Jesus washed"
was in the future still
when my ears delighted so

I think I saw you there
The VBS woman in the wagon
would not hasten an unkind word
to a child so wayward of his lessons

I think I saw you there
in every glint of sunlight
despite the passing badness
of youth with no direction

I know I saw you there
and if I only could go back
I would reach out my hand
and take yours
and never let go
to join the richly blessed
and begin with many years advance
a life already eternal bright.

-James E. Quattrochi