It breaks my heart I confess,
as I remember her twirling
in her dress
happy, silly,
swirling mess
of curls,
laughter-
perfectly beautiful,
yes.
It crushes the breath from my lungs
as I recall the songs we sung,
of Wise Men and mangers and a Virgin’s “womp”,
innocence, honesty and grace
with words misplaced,
but a family
sitting close
sharing
laughter,
singing Hymns
on the couch
and
the presence of a Savior,
smiling over it all.
As I consider
these recent days
with challenges and struggles-
and growing haze
blurry eyes, and lies-
certain “friends”
wise in their own eyes,
and careless words-
like thorns among roses,
they hurt.
I recall my own younger days
when it was so hard to see through the haze,
the tangle of lies, and cruelty of kids –
whose parents were equally cruel…
I see it again.
like thorns among roses,
they were.
So I pray
and I hope
and I confess.
I doubt,
I fear,
and too often digress.
I try, and I fail
and I trust
in what I can’t see.
Love is not blind at all,
but full of clarity.
And faith.
I strive to remember the hope inside me-
I try to encourage
despite what I see
I ask, and I chide and I often remind
her,
she is loved.
She is loved.
She is loved.
I turn away from the judging eyes,
breathing in the breath of faith
that keeps me alive,
asking for wisdom and courage
to face… the days ahead
with love and grace.
I think back to her,
twirling in her pretty dress, and her hair all tousled,
a beautiful mess;
and I only wish she could see she’s blessed.
Believe she’s blessed.
She’s blessed.
©Dawn Paoletta
Feb 17, 2012 @ 17:40:02
I know the pain of which you speak, my love. The causes here in our family may be different from yours, but we still share that pain. Persevere with your reminders that she is loved and blessed. We may not think or believe they are listening — but they are. And remember — you STILL have the presence of a Savior. The powerful, comforting, loving presence of a Savior.Grace & peace, to my BBFF and companion in battle! <3Pam
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Feb 17, 2012 @ 21:57:58
You are loved by many! Hugs, sandie
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Feb 18, 2012 @ 08:57:18
Beautiful poem Dawn. It made me tingle and tear up. So emotive. There is much love in these words. Bless you. X
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Feb 18, 2012 @ 16:02:49
Wonderful! So lovely!
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Feb 18, 2012 @ 18:40:27
Loved this!
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Feb 19, 2012 @ 07:36:01
What a beautiful poem! thanks for sharing it with us.Heather
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