General (Vol. 1)
Retreat
- I did not see You in him as I drove in the last nails,
Just another deal completed with the toughness that entails;
But I did not see You either when she quivered, checked, then cried,
Just another deal completed with all that that denied.
- I did not feel Your suffering in the tension and the fear
Just another disagreement that was bound to disappear;
But I did not hear You either in the sound behind the door,
Just another disagreement that will haunt me evermore.
- You are not just good behaviour, not just mutual respect
Even though these lubricate the wheels, build confidence and protect;
You are kindness and contentment, sacrifice and self denial,
Even though these are self-discipline, a secret and a trial.
- I should always see You when I have a hammer in my hand
Or when the brain You gave me is in absolute command;
And should recognise the wounds I give You every time we meet,
When the soul Your Father gave me is in cowardly retreat.
