A cold wind filled the old church stage A man as old as time and age sat on a rickety chair A single flood barely illuminating his figure A voice of power ripped the walls to shake My hand though shaky falls a drop from the edge of the earth My mind is not as in queue as it once was but not to the point of birth My legs left me and carry me forward with effort I move but slow My heart pumps not blood but love and need escapes me as life dies From the pit of self I have taken all leave gladly the good and the bad From the shadows of the corners I bring forth the pain of words that hurt From the crevices of the mind I leave a thimble of the joy burnt in my soul From the words you have given me I live in you and see the wonder two Bring forth the wine and let me taste the glory of this day when I see Bring the warmth of the fire letting it encapsulate trouble raging inside Bring the milk of earth and let me taste all with eyes that can read Bring time to me and let me mull it over with great care making equal shares Gather to me the love of family still learning all that is needed to survive Gather nuts from the field and berries from the bush join for the fruit of labor Gather the last wish from every lip and bring forward as the icing on the cake Gather me up and take me part and parcel to a rest that protects and shelters The room went silent the curtain fell.