Gazing out to sea

in the city of my birth

though not my regular water view.

Standing atop

great sandstone cliffs

pounded by waves

from the Tasman Sea.

The timelessness of this scene

is counterpointed by another event

that marks time’s passage:

The gathering

of four generations

to celebrate

my mother’s 95th birthday.

I’m left to wonder

at God’s presence

in all

with all.

The joy

and pain

of humanity.

As well as

the unseen cycles

of life and death in nature.

Along with

its serenity

and majesty.