when the calling comes The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees. Psalm 29 & they crash down on every side of me. there goes the dog; there goes the lounge chairs. one tree hurls through my kitchen window. branches crack and ricochet, the earth jolting with each syllable. your voice breaks the cedars, splits the maples, rips through elms. when you talk, the landscape falls to its knees, begging for another chance, cowering from the deep thunder voice. but it is me you want. each word carves through my heart slicing off thin wedges until I am you & you are me & together we begin to gather the wood for eternity.
David James’ latest book, Wiping Stars from Your Sleeves, was published in 2021 by Shanti Arts Books. More than thirty of his one-act plays have been produced in the U.S. and Ireland. James teaches at Oakland Community College and is a member of St. Jude’s, Fenton. Photo: The sun rises over Plainsong Farm. Photo by Chavala Ymker.
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