CHILD'S PLAY IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
XIV
When I saw God
One day in the camp
when everyone was gone
I think it was to see
and to share in the gift
of a Red Cross drop
of powdered milk and stuff
that was meant to ease the needs
you see
of Stanley internees
but I found myself alone
for I had been at play
when everyone was summoned
and that day in the camp
as I wandered about
feeling lonely and deserted
in this empty place
I discovered that in fact I was not alone
for sitting on a porch
resting on a chair
sheltered in the shade
elderly and long
with a great white beard
was a man I did not know
and he was watching me
and properly amazed
I was staring back
but not a word was said
though I waved to him
and he waved back
as softly I slipped away
forgetting about play
reflecting on the marvel
of this strange eventful day
when I saw God
and he noticed me.
XIV
When I saw God
One day in the camp
when everyone was gone
I think it was to see
and to share in the gift
of a Red Cross drop
of powdered milk and stuff
that was meant to ease the needs
you see
of Stanley internees
but I found myself alone
for I had been at play
when everyone was summoned
and that day in the camp
as I wandered about
feeling lonely and deserted
in this empty place
I discovered that in fact I was not alone
for sitting on a porch
resting on a chair
sheltered in the shade
elderly and long
with a great white beard
was a man I did not know
and he was watching me
and properly amazed
I was staring back
but not a word was said
though I waved to him
and he waved back
as softly I slipped away
forgetting about play
reflecting on the marvel
of this strange eventful day
when I saw God
and he noticed me.