Soaked in
clemency and grace,
into this place
I search for Your face.

Blood stained
on your nailed wrists,
into this place
showers endless bliss.

Darkened nights
grow colder and colder,
but into this place
I lay warm on Your shoulder.

Serene security
resides deep inside us,
and into this place
we are right beside Jesus.

country girl
toddled back home.
sepia leaves traced behind her
tumbling on the flaccid, dusty loam.

country girl
in her licorice colored boots
daydreamed at the piebald trees
rotting from their roots.

country girl
dancing in auburn checkered dress
sprinted home mirthfully
looking like a mess.

A winter breeze
brushed against the tassels
of her velvet scarf.

She breathed in
the misty, wet smells
that melt her heart.

Her mittens tickled
the warm, scarlet wool
padded in her pockets.

Winds back and forth
against the snowy trees
rocking large  snow deposits.

She smiled at the
mushy, muddy tracks
her boots evenly made.

She bunched up
a big ball of powdery snow
and in that she played.

She looked around the table
at every smiling face.
She also was smiling
to be happy in the place.

Turkey and mashed potatoes
piled on every flowered plate.
Everything tasted so good
and the company was great.

As she opened her eyes
her dream was not so.
She looked around the table,
everyone eating slowly in silent woe.

Her heart sagged a little
for this is what family has become.
They should be happy to be together
united as one.

Her little toothless grin
giggled as the bubbles blew.
From weeks to months to years,
beyond my eyes she grew.

I would braid her thick curly hair
as she danced in her own way.
She would run to me
from the school bus everyday.

I would tell her my life stories
before she would go to bed.
As I said goodbye and good night
I would kiss her light tan head.

With her bear in her arms
we would do her homework together.
She said we were best friends
with glue that lasted forever.

I had this precious gift
for one time in my life.
Just a little bit of love
shined her little, bright light.

Bundled in a blanket
with a fire next to me.
Working on a poem.
Everything is cozy.

Crackling of wood
awakens my mind.
Orange flames
slowly shined.

A fire burning
is so nice.
For a poet,
this is paradise.