Concord and Providence

Learning off those capitals of the New England region,
My daughter encounters two stumbling blocks:
Concord and Providence.
We drill and drill and drill
Until the names become sound become music:
ConcordNewHampshireConcordNewHampshireConcord...
ProvidenceRhodeIslandProvidence...

She falls asleep knowing where to find
Concord and Providence.

I walk into the moonlit night and think,
They are the beautiful old names of abstract nouns
One for harmony,
One for God's protective care--
Given to the places where folks
Long ago hoped to find them.

Such is the mystery of naming.

What do you call your heart's desire?
When you find it, do you know you're home?

Peace and Care, tonight you are my
Love
Resting on a pillow.
I know you by name;
You are as real as any dream.
You are Concord and Providence,
And I know you by heart.