Condemned? Poem by Gabrielle Ciarann Roniyah Baer

Condemned, the big blond guy with the wings said
condemned to take up my life again,
to taking up my place again
by my heart's brother's side

Seeing how seriously that archangel, and that demigod took it,
I held back a yelp of pure joy
that rose in my throat
a second, no make that a third...
is anyone keeping count? ah Tartarus!
I only know I've got another chance!

I would spend a hundred lifetimes,
maybe more,
if they were offered me,
taking my place and keeping my place,
and making my life's work at that half god's side!

I would give a hundred lifetimes,
and many, many more,
if I thought they were in my grasp,
undoing mistakes, retaking missteps
avoiding missed steps once more.
But, let me not tempt the Fates!

The living world spreads out before me,
once more:
lovely even in a chilling season,
wide enough for taking chances,
bright enough for mortal eyes,
And I know my life to be not so much charmed,
as blest.


[ written 11/18/02]