The wrapping was patterend with Iris,
Narcissus and Daffodils, cut and
taped neatly aroud the gift at
the centre of this paper garden
and so many lives.

Unwrapped, the hardback 'Study Bible' gleams
in low lamp-light, a late celebration
of an event that comprised of a
sweltering church, almond oil
and a feeling of relief.

Flicking through translucent pages
brings to mind the giver, sitting
in - part of - a seveties armchair, balancing a
weightier tome on soft cotton slacks,
always awake, though you'd never think it.

The note in the front is conscise
like his usual speech, but with something hidden
something to find. A name, chapter: verse.

A grandfather's message to his granddaughter's
faith, and learning: St. John XVII:19 -

'And for their sakes I sanctify myself,
so that they also may be sanctified in truth'