Life in a Word

Each word to you
is a breath
I give in return,
as thanks, as prayer,
as the hand
outstretched to bring
silence close.
For time takes in
and takes out
the air that fills
the cupped voice.
And language born
of the wind
must follow its
rise and fall.
I give in return
each word to you.
And as I breathe
slant of light
and shadow
define the words
I give
in return
for you.

Warwick McFadyen