Even at age 71, I sometimes wake in the night-time frightened. It happened earlier tonight, around 2am. It’s happened thousands of times, going way back to when I was a little kid. Yet it often still shocks and shakes me, as if it were the first time. For a while I just lie here scared and bewildered, with no idea what to do or how to look after myself. But sooner or later, I remember. I put on some gentle music, reach for my beloved bedside notebook, sit very still … and listen. Then … I write.
Ah, my silent wordless love,
My sweet and smiling melancholy,
Solitary, symphonic,
Saying nothing, answering nothing.
All the while your tireless tender arms
Nurse my trembling life,
Caress the gleaming cosmos,
Bringing close the happy heart of God.
Love to all my dear brothers and sisters who also wake up frightened sometimes … Michael 😊💛
