Ultramarine 85

Standing naked in the tempest,
Swells and waves, test flood defences,

Grateful in the wreckage you stake-
Out the teardrop thoughts for my sake.

Collaboration with Chris Wheeler

Writhe

Disappointment a heavy, boiling liquid
Threatening, unbidden erupting; acidic
Rage rises bitter in my chest, trying to escape
In hot tears or swears, or both, volcanic
I was so NEARLY there I thought,
I had dangerous hope

Losing which, I am swept into a fight
With seeming inevitable futility, trapped
By enveloping gloss of hatred’s silky film
Like a sea bird caught in an oil slick,
Slippery with ugly spilled emotion,
Too late for flight

Secret Garden – For Hannah

A tremor, faint, in your expression

Joins your half answer to my question;

One foot out I slow, I know,

Restraint’s an early mist on your emotion

♦

A catch in your throat shows your struggle,

Heavy dew, light bloom aromas muddle

And with one cuddle, the honesty flows

While hopes and fears you juggle

♦

I’m honoured when you share your heart,

Wind me by the climbers in your mind

To find your childlike courage when tears smart,

You blink away the weeds that try to bind

♦

Beyond the quaint exterior, pearly paint,

The Secret Garden’s not so hard to enter,

Spirit’s fruit grow, love right at the centre,

Your roots ain’t like mine, but that’s adventure

♦

‘Fore now your friendship’s taught me many things,

Of bold and thorny challenge; real love’s tough,

Praise ringing through the branches as you sing;

You’re precious and these words are not enough.

Fully fledged treasure friend.

With family relationships it oft’ seems

That their deep hooks in our identity

Swift lead our reactions to extremes

And raw emotion of such potency.

♦

It cannot be just biologically,

Though from our parents’ fibres we are knit,

The bond is also forged through history

of moments; smooth as marble, coarse as grit.

♦

On life’s complex journey family extends

As with the paths of others it’s entwined

Through taking on the unexpected bends

We end up leaving precious ones behind.

♦

For some love’s separation stings the heart

Which in defense builds walls to shield it’s pride,

Ironic that the catalyst that starts

The blaze is that which wants you by it’s side.

♦

Not a child but evermore his daughter,

Flew the nest to seek the truth and live it,

Fully fledged you aint who he had thought yer,

Though truly loved, you just don’t neatly fit.

♦

Integrity on you makes strong demands

Which, in conjunction with your wish to share,

Your loving questions he misunderstands;

Therefore so hard to keep investing there.

♦

Seek refuge in the Lord’s unfailing grace,

He knows you and loves you beyond measure,

As with humility your words you lace,

Press on knowing you’re His precious treasure.

♦

I love you heaps; more than I can convey

And wish that I could hold your hand right now,

I guess that’s all I really want to say,

I pray that Jesus uses this somehow.

♦

xx