(After watching two adults and a child walking down the spit of sand off the Deer Isle Causeway exposed by the receding tide)

Take my hand
as we walk the sandy strand
left behind by ebbing tide
tickling toes with mussel shells
while licking the salt off our lips
wholly enveloped in the unspeakable wonder
of this holy moment

Take my hand
as we stand transfixed
beneath the moonless sky
silently counting the countless stars
while casting our spirits into the night
utterly gobsmacked by the trackless void
of an overwhelming emptiness

Take my hand
as we sit enraptured
attent the twirling dancer
improbably poised on pointed toe
her hand making heart-rending entreaty
transported therewith to a rapturous haven
of ineffable grace

Take my hand
as we come to the table
praying our thanks and desires
bearing the burden of unabated dismay
over multiplied evils and calumnies
holding fast to the solitary hope
of an unwavering faith

Take my hand
as I lie in my bed
shadows slowly subsuming
remembering an awe-filled existence
all of it vouchsafed to you
wanting nothing now but the touch
of your tender hand