(With apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning)
How have I missed thee? Let me count the ways.
I missed thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I missed thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I missed thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I missed thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I missed thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I missed thee with an inspiration I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I missed thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if My muses choose,
I shall but spend more time with you after my work day is done, the pets are fed, the laundry is folded and the kids are in bed.
.... A late New Years resolution for 2013
