To the Daughter We Named Brett
Though you were aptly named according to your mom and me It was from a white man’s book which has troubled me of late We should have had the Indians name you for they have vision in these things
This attestment comes from me: From the day you were born you’ve been solid in your place sturdy in your bones steadfast in your ways
Now let the Indians say through me these are names you’ve grown to be
One who gives honor to her heritage One who loves her family One who is constant in her loyalties One who stands for her convict
ions One who fights for fairness One who has her shit together One who fears no heights One who conquers water One who will not be slighted One who does not accept dichotomy One who minces not her words One who takes pride in her work One who holds accountable One who hides her vulnerability One who falls a lot One who sings with power One who holds a godly spirit in her heart One whose eyes enfold the universe
I do believe these names ring true But they are not the sum of you You are more than we can see The more you are the more you’ll be Brett unfolding in her light her soul ascending unnamed heights Something about a River (inspired by my daughter Amy)
There is something about a river that provides my greatest clue to you
Wide when the earth allows seeping out through rocks and loam and sand common to the lowlands, the flatlands, the great basins sprouting grains spreading from the water’s edge across the storied plains
Narrow when created new or driven deep by granite walls far below the influence of the sun
Not content to rage along the surface nor to counterfeit a deadly calm she would have us know of her geology the sources of her currents and her undertows
She would have us know her passion for living full her moments of intention Have us know her gratitude For each renewing raindrop that joins her in her play
Ever seeking promise in something greater than herself Ever seeking holy sanction to shed her mighty singularity
Until she bursts at last upon the oneness of the ocean receiving unconditional welcome knowing wholeness without struggle peaceful in the wisdom of god’s way
There is something about a river that provides my greatest clue to you
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