I know long and lonely roads.My hands, like my pockets, are used to being empty.There are pieces of me I’ll never find,and still he tempts me. I’ve lost money,family,lovers,even friends who swore they were brothers. An empty chair where she once sat—a smile, a nod,a little chat. Yet through every loss, one truth remained:Jesus.Jesus neverContinue reading “The Empty Chair”
Tag Archives: God
A Spirit Built to Last
You broke my heart but not my spirit,You left me bleeding in the rain.You promised to protect me,Then caused the pain.I searched for love in empty places,For arms to hold me tight.But when I needed someone beside me,I stared out shadows through the night.Yet God was there in every tear drop,Every battle no one knew.WhenContinue reading “A Spirit Built to Last”
My Next Steps
I try to think of my next steps,but different versions of me roar in my head. I cannot force them into silence.I try to ignore the noiseand focus on who I am becoming, but even in stillness there is shouting—a crowd inside my mind. Yet beneath it all, I am not rushed.Something deeper holds meContinue reading “My Next Steps”
High Waves
Like a boat on high waves after the sun has set. I stand in the darkness, with fears I can’t forget. The storm may be raging, the night may be long. But faith is my anchor, and hope is my song. Hold on tight, let courage rise. Dreams are born beneath darkened skies. One moreContinue reading “High Waves”
Silent Woe
Before the icons’ candle glow,A father stands in silent woe.His wife and children sleep aboveWhile islam chokes the land he love.He does not long for war or blood,Only peace, and a promised bud.Yet still he keeps the rifle near,For darker days are drawing here.He prays with tears, “Lord, keep me right.If I must stand, thenContinue reading “Silent Woe”
Divine liturgy
If you could see what grace descends during the liturgy in church, you would gather the dust and wash your face with it. Saint Gabriel of Georgia
Our Union Jack
Three crosses woven, bold and bright,St George in red, St Andrew white, St Patrick’s saltire laid between,Upon the flag where kings have been. A banner born of storm and sea,Of island hearts and history, Three patron saints in cloth entwined,Three ancient peoples, fate combined. It flew through cannon smoke and rain,Through years of glory, loss,Continue reading “Our Union Jack”
Roots
Their little hands pulling me towards responsibility,not with force,but with trust.A tug at the sleeve,a voice in the night,small shoes waiting by the door.And suddenly a man understandsthat love is not a feeling that visits —it is weight carried willingly.The world still calls him elsewhere:towards freedom without anchors,towards silence, towards self.But those small handskeep leadingContinue reading “Roots”
Icon she gave me
She placed before me, still and small,The icon in silence, head did fall.Yet in my sorrow eyes were bright,A love that turns the dark to light. The Holy Mother stands in grief,Yet holds the faith beyond belief.Her gaze fixed where the suffering lies,Mercy from the crucified. In this icon, still and true,I see what loveContinue reading “Icon she gave me”
Easter Saturday
The eve of Lenten’s weary old mileof prayerful days and the fasting trialA candle waits in flickering flameIn our victory we call His name.My sons laugh – sweet eggs in sightWe break and share – just one tonightMy wife prepares – the lamb is tenderI tell the boys of deaths surrenderThe table full – theContinue reading “Easter Saturday”
Smith Shine Poetry 