In Celebration of John

through the gates of biting frost
hard packed earth unwelcoming greets
naked feet

bare of leaf and all fruit lost
empty branches fail to keep
something sweet

but-

love warms all
and charms gray skies
and your touch
heals cold Paradise!

Cold Paradise by Kat Cavanaugh LaMantia


Once upon a time I had a freeze dried heart. Then I went to a dance (the first time the nuns let the freshmen out past 8PM) and the sun came out and thawed out the well frozen bits. I don't know how much the world needed John LaMantia to ask it to dance (a considerable amount I expect) but I certainly needed him.

Christ opened Paradise to us. I love it that He gave me a husband who is so like Him.

You were sun on frosty windows and I saw love! You still melt my heart, John.

I wish you the happiest of birthdays it is in my power to wish for or collaborate with.

You are a most treasured gift to me from our Father who has a good eye for such enduring things. I will love you when there are enough candles on your cake to see their light from outer space.

kl