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

‘Til the Sky

Across the vastness and darkness

I happened upon

a humble kind-hearted one

The doors were wide open

many creatures entered care

But some left in wonder

pacing, staring over

how to cross the blue yonder

without paying the fare.

Acknowledgements: Cheyne Geligan (RIP 2003) ‘Till the Sky’ by The Simpletons

For Karen

You with your hands

held high in the air

Blank stare on your face

Your words said with flair

Still, we both pray for Karen.

You with your bells

and your smells in the air

With robes and peak caps

And ceremonial fare

Still, we both pray for Karen.

You with your book

and your words fill the air

Nods all around

Words just and fair

Still, we both pray for Karen.

Me with my morning

and evening, night air

Hands closed to my head

Soul emptied of cares

Lying still, we all pray for Karen.

Them with their sun

and full moon on the rise

Empty words in the air

Suspicions of lies

Still, we all care for Karen.