Framed By Fall....

I had the recent honor of participating in The Mountain Traditions Project...

About Hope

I know a boy
with a dent in his head...
it must have happened
when his mother got mad.
"Women", he sneers,
even though he's now older...
then timidly places
his hand on my shoulder.

it don't matter what he said, child.
love don't act like that.
rid your mind of those lies, child.
he ain't where it's at.

i got love that purifies.
solidifies.
doesn't victimize.
it don't matter what he said,
child.
love don't act like that.

take back what is yours, child.
don't let him come stealin' round.
love... it ain't no thief, child.
it ain't gonna bring you down.

so get down on your knees, child.
it's time to restore your crown.
they're dancin' round the throne for you.
grace is showerin' down.

i love you so very wild, child...
so don't listen to what he say.
you're about to be adorned, child...
you're a phoenix and you're rising today.

nature art...

be still.... and KNOW.

-God

gentle is what you were... at a time when life and circumstances were very ungentle.
i don't remember you ever uttering a harsh word.

an oasis is what you were.....
an island where i first let it all out, wrapped in a blanket, sitting on the end of your bed.
the filtered sun coming through the bedroom skylight,
casting morning shadows on the patchwork quilt.
you barely having the sleep out of your eyes.
but you listened.
every single word you took in.
and that is what you did every time after.

you had plans but you canceled them.
"nothing is more important", you told me.
if only i still believed that.

you always knew tears were coming before i even did.
you wouldn't let me run away.... or lash out.
you just sat me in your lap and let me cry.
let me vent.
you never uttered a harsh word.
you understood... sometimes even when i didn't.

i wanted to write this to thank you.
that seems so small.
in some ways, you saved my life.
that is, you made me really want to LIVE.
the oppression, anxiety, and anger were never there when you were around.

and now i know.
since Love visited in the flesh...
now....
nothing less.

Home

i'll paint the fences white for you
if you tell me you're coming home.

i'll put candles in the windowsills
to guide you in the gloam.

i'll wear your favorite dress and put a flower in my hair.
i'll warm the stove and light the fire
and sweep the front porch stairs.

i'll bake your favorite cake for you...
if you really are coming home.

i'll put away every fear for you,
if never more you shall roam.