in your periphery

who could have foretold
the friendship we have made
the paths we trod are so different
at times we walk in the same shadows
i don't know if you saw me there,
next to you--you thought you were alone
i saw you fall--you wouldn't take my hand
as you shook of the dust and pressed on
i confess to you, but i think you know
the streaks on my face were not from the rain
i saw you run when you had nothing left
i saw you laugh in the light for them
don't think i didn't see the sadness in your eyes
your strength is your only weakness
let your weakness be your strength
i saw you heal their wounds
with the beauty of your soul
as you gave all your love
then shuddered, shivered in the cold
hoping to one day be loved
you poured yourself out
and took nothing in
let me fill your shoes for awhile
and carry the burden you think i can't see
my heart is heavy from bearing it with you
i'd do anything to steal your pain
don't wither away
don't let the ghosts of your past haunt you
don't forget who you are
don't give up on love
stop
let yourself be filled
so that you can dance again
upon hope without pain

April 20, 2005 - Hopelessly Hopeful

Hopelessly Hopeful



Out of control and “up in the air”,

but this air rests in the grip of gentle hands.



Beaten and weary,

trampled by unrelenting despair.

The sun is shining,

but shadows cloak the world.

Wounds of sadness sting,

nurtured by broken-hearted support.



Emptied by confusion.

Stabbed by questions.

Crippled by helplessness,

Barely enough strength for these tear-stained petitions.

Spirit charred by burning desire to understand.



In you, hopelessly hopeful.



Rendered mute,

the soul weeps silently,

prayers with no words,

whispered in your ear.

In you, I need not speak.

In you, I need not see.



In you, hopelessly hopeful.