a slice
of sorrow
arrived
with a flare
wild horses
then calm
plains
both knowing
saying the words
welled up
behind all
hurt and tears
bled upon
our palms
caressed
and cared for
still lingering
a surprise
no foil
wrappings
or pretty
ribbons
time for mercy
for forgiving
for kindness
moving on.
- Previously published 1999