in my hands I hold
the remains of a gift
once freely given
and received unprotestingly

this gift, the only thing worth
giving. pure, whole.
the only thing to offer.
given willingly, prayerfully,
trustingly.

it was meant to be cherished
respected, protected.
nurtured and grown.

then my trust was betrayed,
broken, abandoned

now I feel I can never,
ever let someone promise to
cherish and protect me

for now I find
that all that remains,
are remains

JCM 2013 ©