Treasure On Earth (For Carla..08/02/98) Poem by Steve Slimm

A feather floats softly down from somewhere high in the rafters;
You pick it up and stroke it.
Its delicate fineness is remarkable;
Also its resilience and spring.
It becomes your treasure.
In all of this fine mansion - this great and wondrous edifice -
Strange you should choose such simple store.


From henceforth you will find your feather from time to time;
Somewhere between pages of a book;
Or maybe in the pocket of a purse or wallet.
And if ever it should be blown by the wind
You will be anxious to retrieve it;
And will reprimand yourself for not being more careful.
This is the nature of having a feather.


Sooner or later - at a time when you are most oppressed by the
Magnificent architecture with which you surround yourself -
Then you will chance upon your delicate treasure.
Carefully taking its quill between forefinger and thumb
So lovingly will you caress its featheriness
That in just such an instant will you unawares look up -
And for one fleeting moment the stained-glass window will blur
And you will know the light to emanate from somewhere far behind.


And having explored each passageway - examined closely
Every column with its delicate tracery of workmanship;
Having contemplated to a fullness the length and breadth -
And let your mind dwell on the immense height - and the wonder of it all;
Having heard the echo of your own lament from way up in the rafters –
And seen the shiny floor to be nothing more than a pool of your own tears;
Then will you drift toward the door;
And despite its infinite weight -
At the slightest touch of your hand will it open - and let you through.



For a while the light will seem unreal;
And as you look up the depth of blue will overwhelm you -
Then all the cloisters and all the vaults –
All the stupendous structure of your architecture
Will slowly begin to fade from view.






One day you will chance upon your feather;
It will touch your heart for one last time in a way
You were never touched before;


Then the wind will take it –
And this time you will be glad.