In a Moment

I went to the garden

to look for you,

my love.

You were sick with things

I could not name.

I brought you a little freshness;

for a moment, you were alive.

I went into the forest

and gathered some light for you.

You thought I had bought it.

It warmed you

in the midst of coldness;

for a moment, you were alive.

I went to the mountain,

then down to the sea.

I brought you birdsong

and the breathing of waves,

all of it free.

Your heart, so tired

from the howling machines,

began to beat with ease.

And for a moment,

you were alive.