WHEN GIANTS FALL

 

When giants fall

the earth stills

Silence

waves toward the horizon

pushing trees

 

Flowers bow

and large bodies of water hum

It is just a matter of time for all things;

Even the greatest among us

is merely passing through

 

Greatness

fills the lungs of some

Keeps them afloat above our heads

As they lift our legs

and arms and spirits

As they help us to survive this lower life

here

closer to the ground

 

When giants fall among us

Their breezes carry us

Their prayers

set us down gently

in open spaces

full of grace

where we inherit their strength

Absorb their intentions

Put on their hands

 

When greatness breathes

the final breath

Flattens and falls mortal

around our feet

Our tears roll down

from uplifted faces

elevated hearts

and clearer minds

                         When giants fall

we release them

in whispers, cries, and laughter

as they remind us

that we – are – giants – too

 

We -

are -

giants -

too-

 

That

is the honor and farewell

That we learn and grow and challenge and conquer

because we walked beneath these giants

whose words and work and dance and song

and care and love

carried us apace

in giant footsteps

 

Hoping

that we were clinging to their

ankles, hips, and shirttails;

That we were filling their shoes

Climbing on their shoulders

 

Knowing

that because they walked

we could fly