I believe you were calling me,
that young boy lying on his parents’ bed,
dreaming on clouds and patches of sky,

reading parables while others were out riding,
fishing or up to some other mischief.
I was alone, a misfit, a seeming solitaire

who was later gifted a wife and a son,
my greatest treasures. I hope that they,
through my eccentric faith

which has wandered far, will be
blessed too on that awesome day when
different clouds will descend from heaven’s blue.

Copyright Francis Barker 2020