Remove the breastplate,
dull from neglected upkeep;
clatters on concrete.
Pop! remove helmet,
skull open, vulnerable-
sun, shadow fall there.
Eyes avoid the belt,
fingertips grip underneath,
unfasten buckle.
Kick off metal shoes,
bare feet are vulnerable,
and stones are so sharp.
Misplaced shield can’t block
the metal coils you now
flaming arrows sear.
Sword, muttered prayer
rusty and dull from disuse
pray block enemy.
Desire to wring every
tiny
plopping
drop
of the tortured soul-
(without the torture, of course.)
God’s gifts
best broken and poured out
from a life of troubles.
Significant stamps
on countenance, and also
small repetitions.
(whether face or character).
From joyous place
of decrees and diadems,
worship, sovereignty,
limitless authority
stripped down to peasant garb
cloaked in voluntary loss
crowned with suffering.
Though anger may be thrown at you,
and your senses cry defeat
engage your love in battle,
it’s fruit later you reap.
Sing your songs when you are down,
fight amongst your grief and tears
give a smile, not a frown,
seed will grow throughout the years.
Your breath, your breeze,
a creek and twine;
with buried tendons,
branches wind.
Roots dig in deep,
sun drapes gold cape;
hills soft or steep,
flies webs escape.
‘Til evening caps
pearl-lit stars find-
me on sharp grass
lost sense of time.
Your soil
demands nutrients;
in ash or manure,
compost or peat moss.
Dehydrated, pandering
tune and verse,
fallow,
helps no heart.
A chafing, belly cry-
heart’s prayer, and a song;
held in God’s hand,
this torrent is strong.
Word smashes like hammer
to dust, scattered fine-
grant water, new answer,
He says “you are mine”.
Stand, hold on
you are in His palm;
dusk until dawn,
your strength, your calm.
