Among the Rocks

Jeannette Beebout “Among the Rocks” Imitation
If you give yourself to the Earth,
the skies above will reward you.
With bread and wine and virgins,
among anything you dreamed of
as a mortal. We do not know how
heavy our words weigh, until
Jesus Christ himself presents you
with a list. People frantic, running
to and fro, sending out the most
sincere of sorrows and apologies.
It’s too late. You get one chance at
life, and there are no do-overs. One
cannot reverse the words we blast
nor the dreadful wishes we cast. I hope
your knees are worn and ragged, and
feel like that of an elephants. Because
one of God’s creatures you are, and those
prayers aren’t going to send on their own.
You don’t need to go to church, because God
doesn’t take attendance. But believe he
is watching from Heaven, and taking notes.
He makes lists Santa couldn’t compare to.
The end of the line. The real Christmas Eve.
You will find out if you have been naughty
or nice. Good intentions or ill ones. He is
aware. You may catch a glimpse of his face,
lips, his gigantic smile and brown wavy hair.
Don’t let your praying knees get lazy child,
or God’s velvet rope will tighten and he shall
look away. For all those years of opportunity
you cared not for and now you lose at the game
of life.

Among the Rocks By Robert Browning

Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth,

This autumn morning! How he sets his bones

To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet

For the ripple to run over in its mirth;

Listening the while, where on the heap of stones

The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.

That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;

Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

If you loved only what were worth your love,

Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you:

Make the low nature better by your throes!