Current

river stonesSwamped by rapids and torrents

sweeping debris downstream

eroding every sandbank

every creature’s home of dreams

pulling on weeds and reeds

that populate the banks

irrigating flood lands

without a word of thanks

Such forces here faced

buried deep in to bedrock

a boulder immersed in waters deep

clear water for the flock

The gushing noise it causes

could illuminate our fears

But rather not still water

growing tepid over years

Such solid rock is moulded

constant force of river wide

smooths out all imperfections

buffs the surface to a shine

no watershed moment could

make a boulder weak

one so vast and solid

made from mountains’ peak

————————————–Photo by Beverly Nguyen

Fostering Love

Years ago we dreamt of a foster child

before our numbers grew

We believed a child

could grow in our home

yet affection would misconstrue

no desire to return the favours you give

no gratitude for the way we live

With this in mind I watered the soil

to love and care for you

Love from Frank

Where your heart lies

there your treasure lies too

Give that treasure to all around

without payment or compromise

silently waiting to share in another’s

heart.. listening for a beating or breath

only silence rings.

I run to double the beats in my ears

double the breath to push down my fears

that although surrounded I am alone

They form a ring around me

facing out, their backs do not reply

I fall to the ground, prostate

on the carpet that I laid, soft and new.

Sobbing echoes against these antique walls

as if occupied by many grieving widows

will my soul haunt here if I pour out my all?

I stare at the golden hue

bursting through the retro windows

let the golden rays kiss my face

and forever remember that He says to me

“I love you.”

I feel I have stepped back from a sharp precipice

as I gaze at the crisp perfect circumference

of the moon in full bloom

I casually stroll through the door

return the key to my sanctuary

‘It belongs to me, too’ I whisper.

The honey on my lips sublime

sears the sting of wind chapped sores

The only outward sign of pain

The rest I store inside, until next time.

003

Companions on the Journey

I don’t have the strength to carry

I’ll walk beside, stride and leap

I’ve been up this way before

and I know the path is steep

If the darkness overwhelms you

take comfort in One and all

who are ready here to steady you

and would hate to see you fall.

————————————-

The higher up the mountain, the more treacherous the path.

Jud24

Verse picture source