I splinter
Your words like a steel rod
Through the rotted wood of my self
I kneel
On the floor picking at the pieces
Grasping with bloodied fingers
I search
For the glue that can bind again
My self, my worth, my love for you
I stand
On my two feet, wash my hands
The crimson drains down until the water runs clear, then...
I leave
- Denise Cooper Smith
Hope in the Middle
I lay my body home
In your vast arms, Mother
The sun warmed earth of your face
So familiar to this weary soul
Hold me, Mother for a little while
All my sadness and toil spill from my eyes
Wet the soft grass of your cheeks
I whisper my troubles to you
My broken things, my care worn heart cracks
Seeps invisibly into your core
You bear my burden, you keep my secrets
Does it cost you, Mother?
I am sorry for it
A wind plays over the grass and ruffles the leaves above
Seems to scold her loving reply, "Husssshhhhh!"
I drain my sorrow and sigh on your firm shoulder
Your tears fall from heaven, mingling with my own
Cleanses my hurts and fears
I sit up, able to observe your beauty without burden now
The trees reaching towards God, the work of your nourishing being
The rivers flowing overland as your life force
What's this, Mother?
I lay my ear to your womb
A seed lays buried, hidden for now
Although I can't see it
It is there, churning the soil
A spring blossom after so much winter
I thank you, Mother, for this secret of new life
I lift my eyes and thank my Father
For small joys
In the middle of my pain
Hoped for
Now received
- Denise Cooper Smith
