Words

I feel the words.
The sounds touch my face
As I read from the page.
The words detach from the lines:
Dance through the air
Graze my ear lobe.
Cover my eyelids
Tickling my lashes
And swing from my nose.
A delicate smile forms upon my mouth.
They crawl across my neck
And slide down my shoulder
Prickling my arm as they glide.
They gather together
Running into each other inside my palm.
They step to my finger tips
As I grip the page
I turn it for more.

His Hands

Gripped with anger
Coated with cuts
Connected with their noses, jaws, and cheeks.

His hands,
Vacant, took clothes, shoes, and games.
Were quick.
Shook with amateurs.
Entered their home.
Took trinkets, jewelry, and
Were tied.
Education was ripped from his palms.

His hands
Held knives and blades to cut the skin.
Carved symbols to see the blood.
Anything to feel the pain.
Held sticks to hit the drums.
Strummed the guitar.
The sounds blared in his ears.
Anything to hear the music.

His hands
Gripped their flannel, tuxedo, and tank top shirts.
Collected their pay.
Sorted and bagged powder.
Held cigarette blunts and tablets between his fingers.
Touched, kissed, and danced with lights.

His Hands
Aided in a robber’s raid.
Were secured behind his back.
Clung to the bars, sunshine, and his word.

His hands
Were dressed with cuts and lime burns.
Gripped heavy hoses
Climbed unstable ladders
Applied, smudged, and scrapped rock.

His hands
Slipped between mine.
Placed on a ring.
Carried our girl in his palms
Patted her back and held her hands.
Cradled our boy’s neck.
Slid into his finger’s grasp.
.
His hands
Help with all their needs.
The gospel sits on his palms.
Are in God’s hands.
Work, lead, and hold us.
Anything to be a good man.

Above the Calm, Green Waters

Red sneaker shoes
With white looped laces
Positioned securely along the platform edge.
Black straps hooked to his ankles
And blue bungees hang beneath
Above the calm, green waters.
A cool breeze touch his cheeks
Leaving a soft whistle in his ears.
Goosebumps form along his arms.
The smell of pine and fresh water
Fill his nose. He breathes deeper.
The sun shines just above the hills in the distance.
Its rays have yet to warm the air.

He clung to the railing
Breathing in thrill.
His arms shake with intensity.
His knees tremble in anticipation.
He loosens his hold leaning forward.
His gaze touches the waters below
Measuring the distance with his eyes.
His heart beat against his throat.
His breathing shudders.
Inquiry crowds his head
As he unfurls his grip.
He jumps off the platform
Gripping his chest and clenching his legs.

He clamps his eyes shut
Acceleration stings his body.
His blood rushes under his skin.
His stomach clutches his ribs.
The waters draw closer to his face
As the cords yank at his feet.

Our First Night in Mammoth

Remember when we stayed in the cabin
While Mom and Dad went skiing.
I was eight and you were twelve.

Earlier that day you yelled at me
'Cause I peeked over the edge.
I wanted to see how far down the slope was.
Mom told you to leave me alone,
But you were just protecting me.
I knew you were mad 'cause you scrunched your eyes.
I wasn’t a baby, you know. I knew how to ski.

It got really cold and dark
All the way on top of Mammoth.
We could see the beginning of the clouds.
I kept saying it was cold.
I wanted to go and see the cabin.
And you agreed 'cause we went.

The cabin was brown and made of logs.
There were wooden steps out front.
There was a lantern light by the door.
Inside there were bunks and a kitchen.
It was pretty and really warm.
There was a room in the back with a TV.
We found movies and games in the coffee table.

So we played Trouble and watched Sister Act.
I think you were blue and I was yellow.
You were always blue and I never cared.
I probably lost 'cause I always lose
And I probably got upset, too.

You didn’t pick on me, though.
I started to worry about Mom and Dad in the snow.
But you told me Mom wouldn’t get hurt.
I wasn’t worried anyone would get us.
'Cause you were twelve and a strong, big brother.
I think we fell asleep on the floor by the couches
In the TV room watching the end of the movie.

Tatum's Dance

She hears the pitter patter
As her steps hit the hardwood stage.
She slips around the dancers
Taking her place in the middle
Posing.
Her arms curl over her.
Purple bruises go unseen
But she sees them below the spotlight.

The music reverberates against her chest.
The fluorescents snap above her.
She drops her head.
Her hair falls; red strands graze her shoulder.
She glares against the hushed crowd
Smiling.
Her grin reveals her delicate gapped teeth.
They watch with deep expectation.
Though none are there for her
She begins her dance sliding across the floor.

I Stand Here

You spoke words of peace
To me when I was discouraged.
You revealed your wisdom
To me when I felt abandoned.

I search your word
For hope you can see me.
What comes doesn't console me.
God send me scripture
To calm my spirit.
I search the pages
So you'll speak to my heart.
Lord, where are you?
I reach for you and
I grasp the air between us.

I reminisce in the times
I saw you mighty.
The blessings when you were faithful.
When I deserved that dark pit.
I picture the moment you refined me.
God show me your acts.
I search my thoughts
To find you strong once again.
What have I done wrong?
I can't see your hand upon me.

I stand here at your alter
And wait for you to move.
Come show me your face
I want to move on ahead with you.

I, Too

I, too, have been broken.

Look at me
I smile and speak kindly.
I rejoice in your joy.
I have compassion
For the troubled.
I'm happy wihen I'm with you.

But it's a facade.
I can hide my heart.
I can rejoice in your joy.
And pretend to be happy.
But once I leave
The sorrow follows me.

One day I won't be.
I'll be happy all the time
And with me and you.

I, too, am broken.