A night can betray you in an instant
as quick as a lie
and as smooth as the cutting blade
the placid inner landscape
runs tumultuous and wild
with blue and red lights
still flashing behind my eyes
I present myself to the church
to enter
still standing on the shifting soil
of my emotions
the bruised reed
must be a giant oak
strong and rooted
on the other side of this door
within the plain walls of this building
there is magic afoot
Holy magic
the laughter that greets me
runs its warm fingers
around my back
and draws me into its embrace
kids running and moving
disarms me
takes me to a quiet and
stilled place
where I can hold this.
where it can be.
the simplicity of a meal
children at play
and a place to be
home
we are all here.
all the tragedy
all the mess.
all the beauty.
here.
Ashley Sandefur, FPL Board of Directors