Vanity of Vanities

A string of lights

Light a frame

Like a show

A frame of a mirror

Mirroring a soul

And nothing else

Colored powder palettes with brushes

Brush the surface with dust

Just dust

It's a daily routine

Nothing you haven't seen

It's vanity

But on it lies a picture

Depicting a friend

Like a soul mate

A friend who made this masterpiece

Pieced together and created

This worthwhile vanity

Empathy

A ray of light is shining

Into this dark pit

Once bound, fettered, damned, sighing

I've lifted my eyes

But my heart- it's looking back

Remembers an ache

Like cancer deep in my bones

I let out a groan

I see them- my prison mates

With chains strangling

Blood thirsty, and locked tighter

Than mine ever were

Left alone, they are drowning

In their silent tears

In a well others drink from

And it's me they've shunned

I asked a bitter question

Used to ask God, why

Stunned by dawn, I question God

Yet now, I ask why-

A ray of light is shining

Into this dark pit

Once, bound, fettered, damned, sighing

Only to touch me

Still

Draw away to listen to Him: "be-still."

All I'm hearing- noises louder- thump, thump

Heart is pumping- this is peaceful down time?

I am doubting. People ask me, "What's wrong?"

They aren't shutting out my silence

Small talk conversation fillers

Draw away to blessed silence-

Cursed! Cursed!

Alone. 

Again.

I keep missing that train.

It takes everyone else.

I'm left standing in rain.

And rain doesn't drown hell,

Or dull seven years' pain

Of doors quick to expel

Still. . .

I'll keep list'ning through the sadness

For the faintest distant sound

I will learn His voice by practice

And heaven will come around

Inner Demons

Mind swollen-

Can't let it rest

Eyes bolted-

Shut out the light

Voice silenced-

Wouldn't change much

Heart burdened-

Drag your own weight

Fists clenching-

Shouldn't let go

Demons swarm- 

Cry out to God

Will He hear me? He's silent!

Yet He speaks 

Has He noticed? He's busy!

He sees all

Can I trust Him? He is lax!

He sleeps not

Did He lift chains? He's more weight!

He bore nails

Is the past His? He forgot!

He holds time

Where is He now? He is not!

Where am I?

God, help me!

One presence within my own synchronizes

A wave of relief swells and rocks my thoughts

I look and perceive hills of rich sunrise

My lips now pronounce precious prayers and laud

Now aided with wings resurrected, fly-

Soul surgery for open hands held high

Spirit Rain

Wrapped in sheets so warm

Time stands still, frozen in ice

Draw away from the storm-
Away from life's fallen lies

Memories and feelings haunt, unbidden

Like inevitable puddles, reflecting the soul

Search out a kindred mind within-

A manifestation to console

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

Behold, the oasis I inherit-

Soak my skin, oh tears from the heavens!