what wakes me

and it’s the thought of your love that wakes me

the subtle thrill of sleeping by your side

how could I be so lucky to be the one

who gets to feel the moment you shift in the night

the steady swell and press of your breath

the reminder of your life touched with the laughter

that comes with second chances,

tears borne of the grief of premature loss,

compassion for the hungry, the homeless,

the refugee, forgiveness for a sinner like me,

it’s the thought of a daughter who’s your friend,

a teenage son who kisses you goodnight, honest

as undyed hair, beautiful in strength—

what wakes me is the thought of a woman

who does what she says, who stands for what is right

and good, who falls prostrate in prayer

Monday through Friday these days,

a student under the Spirit’s direction,

faithful to learn, willing to listen—

a woman whose words carry the power of grace

like water rounding out the sharp edges,

whose humble, thoughtful deeds include folding towels

and making beds for adopted family members,

extra guests, and a beagle in need of covering—

what wakes me is the thought of celebrating

your life whose virtues are harder to count

than the purple petals that bear your name

covering all the hillsides of Scotland.

what wakes me

for Heather on your birthday

by troy cady

forever yours