the skeleton tree

brown and bare
against the pale blue sky-

a skeleton of what you were.

your branches curled like fingers

that had given up reaching, 

reaching, 

reaching.

and tearing, tearing,
they have torn
all the life like meat
from your wooden bones.

orange and red-
your radiant robe,
spread beneath your feet.

brown and bare-
alone.
what have you done?

the pale blue sky looks down
and looks away
and you
fall
into sapphire night.

how to drown

In the ocean of your faithfulness,
I'm sinking into trust,
Though stormy seas can steal my peace,
All trembling and tossed.

I'm learning how to drown myself
And let you take my place.
Pierce my darkness with your sunlight,
Take my depths to heights of grace.

unfolding

I would be a flower unfolding,
Palms wide open,
But I'm trapped inside the bud.

Afraid to bloom,
To leave the tomb,
My palms are red with blood.

But you can see
The rose in me
And open what was closed.

My shame is gone
And I am strong
In the garden of your love.