Texas

Wide open skies 

remind me 

that Texas sunsets 

bring me home 

attached

there is a love so sweet 

well within me 

the sun is shining 

while sadness recedes

my hand is held 

by my God of peace 

and he cares for me exactly  

the way I need

my center

i am

grounded 

i am

supported 

and at peace

the fear 

i am leaving 

behind

it is not what 

follows me

loyal love

i trust You 

and i love You 

and that means 

from here on out 

i do whatever 

You want me to 

tender and strong

being both tender and strong 

seems a rarity 

but how to incorporate them

in the core of me

so that i’m gentle and kind 

loving and sweet 

but full of courage and strength

for all the challenges i must meet 

you are not a mistake

i’m sorry, little one 

that it happened the way it did 

that you did not see love in a pair of eyes

or see comfort as it should have been

somewhere down the line

you were convinced you were only in the way 

and no one held you tight 

and told you “I love you. Stay.”

E.I.

she wept before him

and he asked her why;

he could read her heart

and even still, he waited for her answer 

then, 

quiet love

it is a quiet love

that beats within my chest 

it speaks of precious times

and forgiveness 

i am listening

for the reassurances 

and i am overwhelmed 

with thankfulness 

interplay

I didn't always know how to respond

when they made me feel like I belonged

I knew one day they'd take it back

and act as if they never once loved me at all

It's the cycle I know well

as if it is my middle name

and yet I am always hoping for better

and believing in more all the same

listen

listen quietly for the example 

walk behind it all your life

the moon, full and bright,

hangs upon a glorious night

look up, look up

it will be alright

there are promises here

and they will save your life

blooming cultivation

I once held being wronged as a secret so long

just so others were not hurt

Put everyone else above

my own worth

I learned my Father would not allow it

He has defended me since birth

In time, he protects

and helps me climb up from the dirt

saving grace

my world crumbling like sugar cookies 

like mexican bread 

like last year’s autumn foliage 

and i’m still smiling 

because my heart 

is still beating 

renewable resources

I think there is a space

full of hope and love

that exists within

each of us

Whether it is tapped into

or left dormant and still

is up to every person

and their free will

meditations

it was in the pausing

that i knew i was loved

it was in the silent meditation

that confirmed i did my part

every nuance

every little nuance

that makes you exactly you 

is a cherished bit of the puzzle 

a masterpiece in view 

connecting all the pieces 

is the exciting mystery 

the challenge and the treasures

in the rewarding discovery

letting go

can you give people 

the benefit of the doubt?

even when their actions 

bring all your fears about?

it’s stepping out of your thoughts 

towards mercy and understanding 

it’s leaving old patterns behind 

while knowing even if all the fears were true,

you will be make it through 

one thing

One thing that 

must never change 

is a life with my Father 

Side by side it must always be;

He is my best friend. 

He holds my hand. 

He’s been there through everything. 

He comes with me. 

generous

when they opened their hands 

they were empty 

yet they tried to do something

anyway 

they said “with the strength of my back

i’ll try to make up for the lack”

and it helped at the end of the day  

little sparrow

I see you, little sparrow

with the wind tossing your feathers about

You are not worried

You are not without 

The rain is pouring

and you are observing

You're tiny chest moving in and out

It is in the steady rhythm, 

the consistent heartbeat of:

I need not worry

I am not without

the person in the mirror

how to love myself

without expecting perfection?

look in the mirror and accept

I am doing the best that I can

and what is enough for my God above

should be good enough for me to be

I will not save everyone nor 

every person will I please