To Answer the Call

Pietà (1498–99) by Michelangelo

A stir to spark unfettered love;

Miracle descendant from above.

Time runs thin by sweat of brow;

Time it is for truelove’s vow.

Life for life and cry for cry;

Rife with strife, to die so nigh.

Innocence begotten by frame betrodden;

Pain forgotten by heart to soften.

Moments hound by farce and storm

Quell dreams born to sheets so warm.

Yet bloom outdare both home and wood

In quest ennobled by root of good.

Dedication:

To Erika Thompson, my root of good.