“… To shine … to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
                                                Luke 1:79

After the party ended, I remained to burn
The leftover wood—an interval of silence
And warmth radiated against crashing surf
Up wind. I expected my wife soon,

But longer than I expected a shadow loomed
Some twenty yards away. I thought the man
Approaching was lost—so strange
And hunched over. With fear I nearly

Called out; only the fire separated us now.
Into the light, it was my father.
“I thought to join you,” he said.
What fear and love the child is given!

Lest I fear, let it be love that comes at last,
O Lord.

Ordained Servant, August–September 2018