I Drink The Beloved Name
I drink the beloved name
my mother gave me
Drunk with the black,
starry gods of night
Forces with no names
except thrusting flowers
of starlight
I drink the beloved name
of my country
Ringed in walls of stone
and battered by the sea
Where my brother and
sister slept
My fathers ate and drank
Casting nets of perpetual
shadow into the deep
Fishing for hope
from the hearts of men
I drink the beloved name
given to her who remains
still, beside me
Ancient in her ivoried
perfections - Red, wingspread,
Forever in flight
Always amazed
at the blond lightning
summoned to her side
I drink the beloved name
of my song
Risen to my throat
Filled with green light
And bitter and sweet
to the tongue
For teaching men to sing
Even in the quiet
while they dream -
Awake! Awake!
I drink the beloved name
________________
STANLEY GEMMELL
MAY 23, 2005
Model: Amy C. Young
