I'll Show You God

as she took my hand

and walked with me

up the creaking stairs.

The attic had no door,

but large windows

under the two gables.

Although this afternoon

was hot,

the room was filled 

with a brightness

and a breeze, 

making you think

you were up in

the clouds.

"Here, look out now. See?"

I had hoped to see

a surprising revelation -

a vision maybe - of a

supernatural being - a God.

"What am I supposed to see?" I asked.

"Open the window. Go ahead, grab the crank."

She pointed to the metal handle. I reached for it.

"Lean your head out. Go on. Stretch your neck. 

And LOOK!"

There in the gutter was a family of baby robins.

"Is that God? Birds? Is that it?" I asked.

When I turned to her for an answer

she was gone.

"Jeremy, are you up there honey?" my Mom shouted.

"C'mon down now for supper, it's getting cold."

I twisted the casement crank handle

and closed the window.

It was dark outside.

"Son, stop pushing those peas and eat your mashed potatoes," Dad demanded.

"His mind is wandering still, Hank. Thinking about Aunt Bella all the time," Mom added.

"Well, I got over my sister's act, he better damn well too...and soon. You hear me boy? I don't want you going up there any more. Forget what you know. She ain't coming back!"

I woke next morning to the sound of a robin by my window.

Aunt Bella's last words once again rang in my head - "I'll show you God."

I wish I held her hand a little longer.

A little tighter.