I Knew You

when you hunted
thundering plains
and sought God
underground

I knew your handprint
on the cave wall
your breath through the bone flute

I was the one
received you
from the mystery
of your mother
and laid you out
when your spirit was called
home

I am the cloud
and the cliff-rock
I am the shoot
of your baby’s first cry
that grew through your heart
like a tree

I am the night
you took up your burden
and the morning
you laid it down

meadow song
graveyard wail
I am the end
before the beginning
the manger nail
that turned up
at the cross

I am the stone
placed on your tongue
and the angel
who rolled it
away