Country Winds

Now that the years and sad chapters have flown
and the road to your children is clearer
by the light of new remembrances
our hearts that judged unwisely can only gather
flowers by day, mementos by night
for you who bore the burdens
lost to time's immemorial soul.

Now that hurtful oaths are bowed to tears
and country winds sing your name
where are your old tormentors, regret and shame,
who falsely howled down your lonely lane
that the heavy heart you carried
could only be lifted by eternal flight
from the motherless children who seek you.

Now that the moon that followed you home
has risen over the harvested fields
the river's course is certain and true
for your journey home, though little hands
implore you to stay, and simple words
too long unspoken guide the winds in your sail
we will always see you waving from the shore.

Glen Woodard
November 4, 1992