The Cape Fear River

on her out going tide

poured back into the Mid-Atlantic,

the Bay a solid, gray-slate stone,

dark churning water and a clouded sky

soldered together along the horizon.

Then a split ripped the darkness wide open

for a sparkling moment.

A spear of sunlight,

right there before me,

jabbed into the rolling river

so’s I had to shield my eyes

from the shinning glare.

It lay down a shimmering road on the water,

leading from the sand where I stood

right up into bright blue heaven,

solid enough that I might

walk that path to the pearly gates,

(if I’d been ready to go).

Salvation as glorious and easy

as a stroll along the river bank

in early morning spring.

But in a moment,

the tattered seam shut closed,

sewn tight by wind pushed clouds.

The offered opportunity for eternity

lost.

But only for the time being….

So, I sighed,

then smiled.

For I knew,

home, breakfast and Nancy

awaited me.

And the Father,

loving me,

is always as patient

as He always wants to be.