I'd always choose
To let you sleep,
But just this once
I'll stir you from dreams
To whisper in your ear,
"I believe in your vision
After these stars disappear,
The sun rises for you
To chase your ambition"

© JL Smith

Tonight, my tires traced the highway
I pulled over after missing my exit
Sidelined, I sat there
As the breeze through my window
Raised the hairs along my skin
And at once, it hit me
In that moment
Fear overcame bravery
Maybe you broke me
And there's no self-help book
To relearn how to let someone love me

© JL Smith

I reached a crossroad
My integrity tested
I chose traveling justly
Knowing the path may grow ugly

I gritted my teeth,
Yet carried of firmly
And soon you approached
Armed to provoke me

But I stood my ground
As you crept closely
Ready to retaliate
An adversary, ignorant of my faith

Your attempt to attack
Will fall short in our midst
For an army stands behind me
Pledging allegiance as goodness persists

© JL Smith

You won't impress me
With your Bentley
I'm just as beautiful
Driving my 17-year-old Camry
Shades on
Windows rolled down
Radio turned up
My spirit radiates
Across town

© JL Smith

My half of the world's fast asleep
Both hands stretch to twelve in a reach
And as their minds fill with dreams,
I fill paper
With the spilling of my blood and ink

© JL Smith

I
Sit
Beside
You
In
Silence
As
Our
Hearts
Converse

© JL Smith

Sometimes
My greatest strength
Requires surrender of weight
Trusting a Higher Power
Intercedes to lift
While I maintain faith

© JL Smith

O, my heart!
With each pulse arrives ache
Not for thyself,
But my dear friend, far away

Before you told your tale--
I already knew
You see, it's captured in your eyes
And perceived through my view

Most have witnessed rock bottom,
But you sank deeper into its subterranean room
Don't fear, for I once visited
And believe I can guide you through

I know it hurts,
Sometimes so much your lungs forget to breathe
I've lived your anger,
Placing trust in the one breaking promises to me

But slowly and delicately
Your heart will reform
Stronger, yet softer
A little different than before

And when you feel desolate,
Absent of warmth
Listen to your inner voice reminding you
Times heals all wounds and transforms

© JL Smith