For Brandon

There is a river.
And its streams make glad the city of God.
My son plays on its banks.
I know that river flows;
I know its breath is mine.
For God gave me the seeds of it—
to nurture for a time.

More time I would have liked
just to hold my heart’s hand,
But now he skips on gold streets
and plays with pearl marbles in the sand.

I know he picks the flowers
that line heaven’s streets,
For I see a cherub with a bouquet of perfect white roses
at Jesus’ feet.

I know what a cherub is
and how these flowers smell,
For the bouquet once belonged to me.
Yes, I know it well.

And I know there is a River.
My son plays on its banks.