He  refused the blindfold

but asked them to let him kneel

in prayer one last time.

He became an eagle over silver sunset waters,

as he wheeled far behind him the gallows,

the knot of Her gaze watched him disappear

into the valley of Blue Mountains

where red flowers bloom.

He left  her a feeling of bare trees

in winter rain.


© Carlton Godbold 1987

table of  contents