Gulls flapping on this cloudy day,

Appear whiter than white,

Their wings reflect and glow.

 

But vultures drifting this same day,

Are blacker than black,

Like coal or chimney soot.

 

On such a gray day, the grass seems greener,

The flowers blaze red, maroon, yellow,

And the hydrangea are a brilliant blue.

 

Our youth who live and dress obediently

Also radiate, glisten, and shine out

Against the backdrop of a darkened season.

 

Displaying before a sad and profane world,

Eyes and faces glowing with the spirit

Lighting the many varied paths they travel.

 

Leading others from a shadowy dusk,

Toward the One True Light,

Then soaring together into eternal life.

                                                               Cerita M. Hewett

                                                                                    March 17, 2009

                                                                                    (revised 2014)