Lucid

Author’s note: Some of you will know of Charlie, my live-in father-in-law of 7 years.

I first spoke this “prayer” about two weeks ago. It still applies as Charlie still with us.

This expression is about 2/3rds improv. I’d fashioned the opening lines and outline, but knew I had to pull to the side of the road and record my thoughts before they disappeared. I thought to polish this up, but find I like it in its raw unvarnished state.



We've been speaking this way for weeks

maybe even years,

but now as gray clouds sweep the earth

before our eyes

we know — we know the end is near.

Even now you have entered a state of lucid,

wide away dreaming—

You jab digits into the sky

like a demented prophet.

speaking of money or danger….

I try to hold a conversation with you

through the garbled incoherence

I read to you John 3:16:

For God so loved Charlie McGinn

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

shall not perish

but have everlasting life.

You look at me and say:

”When I was a child I loved God very much…

but I still do.”

And I wonder what was hidden in that long pregnant pause?

A life of rich memory

You a protector

but also years of wandering and moments

that we really can’t mention.

So here now—

Last Rite prayer for you

that you will in these last days, maybe even hours

find that childlike heart that filled you with the love of God;

That he would purify mind and heart;

Give to you the light of life;

That he would prepare your body even as it breaks down.

I don’t know what you will have left to give Him

come resurrection day, but I pray

He remembers why he made you…

and find in you a great great treasure



Be kind of Lord to him right now.

We love him very very much

__

Thank You Thank You for giving him to us

for these many years.