ROCK ME, MERCY: a poem written in mourning

from npr/ read aloud at http://n.pr/TU38rZ

The river stones are listening because we have something to say.

The trees lean closer today.

The singing in the electrical woods has gone down.

It looks like rain, because it is too warm to snow.

Guardian angels, wherever you're hiding,

we know you can't be everywhere at once.

Have you corralled all the pretty wild horses?

The memory of ants asleep and day lilies, roses, holly and larkspur?

The magpies gaze at us, still waiting.

River stones are listening.

But all we can say now is mercy, please rock me

               - Yusef Komunyakaa :: 12/14/2012

                poet & distinguished professor of English at NYU