My Orion

Last night I awoke to the sign of Orion, and the big dipper pouring beauty into her
countenance.

Though the stars say she is a Capricorn, a meager goat, I see Orion’s majesty every time I
stare into here full lips and wide Sophia Lauren Smile.

Her sleek and slender body bodes of Spartan stubbornness.

A stubbornness that’s had me fuming on the wrong kind of sides, of the wrong kinds of days.

Most days, we spend our lives like firefighters, putting out 101 degree fevers, cars
breaking down, and trying to make ends meet on a student’s stipend,

And as days pass, we see separation as an impossibility for how could we possibly survive
without each other?

But last night, I was freed from the stress of overfilled garbage cans and overdue
research projects,

To see her high and lifted up in the unconditional light which she shines for so many,

So many children, to whom she’s been a second mother, screaming, “Ms. Lucas!!!, Ms.
Lucas!!!,” as we see them in the mall.

The countless times that she’s saved me form suicide with a hope unfettered and sincere,

You see last night, I got a quick glimpse into my life as heaven sees it, and I saw my
wife for the first time, lifted high into the deep night, shining for the world.

Oh don’t get me wrong, I truly see her everywhere,

Every where there is courage, I see her wringing the neck of the crack head that almost
kidnapped our oldest in Chicago,

Every time I see kindness, I see her soothing voice in my ear saying, “Keep going baby,
you’re almost out of the tunnel.”

Whenever I see pain, I see her face when she looked down at her dead father’s body, stoic
and resolved that his tragedy would not mar her memory of his greatness.

Every time I see strength, I see a woman who buried her brother in the same summer of her
honeymoon and still smiled wide with sincerity.

But last night, God removed the veil, and I saw her through heaven’s eyes,
Glorious and heroic,

And in that moment I realized that nothing can stop me, because I sleep next to Orion.

Machel, the hero of old.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009


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Date: 11/29/2009 5:30:00 AM
Beauty and appreciation to the fullest for your wife. She and all women who fill this role should be honored at such a great writing. "The Provider" is one about my husband and also for all men if you would care to read. Keep the magical pen flowing. Sara
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Date: 11/21/2009 5:04:00 PM
what a love letter! Please print it out for her so she can put it in her box of fond memories> Light & Love
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Date: 11/18/2009 11:13:00 AM
Woodrow, this gave me chills. It touches the deepest part of the soul that longs to be seen as we are...loved...by not only our Creator, but those who see us as He does. Fantastic! It's going into my favorites. Hugs, Donna
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Date: 11/17/2009 4:49:00 AM
Thank you for starting my week out with some excellent reading Woody. May this week find you in good health and your pen be overflowing with inspiration. Love, Carol
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