Alkalize the sorest spot
where scabs have been ripped away
on purpose
to reveal ancient scars
that tear tissues from the box.
Digging through the shadow spaces
of my own psyche
that long were silenced
because this time I brought
ten thousand lights
to shine at the ceremony.
The older I get
the easier it becomes to forget
pains of the past
but I don’t want to
because every time I churn the soil
where regrets lie dormant
I want to renew a prayer
of forgiveness
that creates a brighter path
blazing into the future.
Cut the music!
Place a dozen red roses
with thorns removed
atop every grave.
This is a day
to hear the birds sing
after the rain.
Walking along the soggy earth
where footing remains solid
because even if the sun
is resting behind gray clouds
my vision remains as clear
as his smile before the final breath.
Drain the system of toxic plumes
that fog the mind
with poison
and scorch the blood
with living fire
from the truth
that offers salvation.
Cue the music!
This is a day
to dance through fields
where seeds are soon to sprout.
This is the hour
to bask in lessons
that teach of faith without doubt.