Background grackles

I would have slept in this morning, but it was important to attend church. 

Tonight I have chosen not to attend the renewal of ordination vows. I feel ordained enough to last the year. 

The fall light filters through trees, still green; the grackles are massing. I claim this spot, this particular spot, filled with background grackles.

Some moments are defined

By the choice we make

To be absent to one thing,

So we can be present

To another,

Even present to ourselves

On a late afternoon

In mid-October

Fall light with background grackles,

My beloved at work

In the other room

And me

Here

In this one.