Tiny joys

I’ve always liked the plants that grow in cracks

The weeds between the cobbles in our street

The wallflowers in the cliffs, the weedy tracks

We walked upon warm cobbles with bare feet.

The flowers and weeds grow faster in the heat.

The shrubs burst into growth they feel no lack

Neither do the insects beat retreat

The sun is rising and defeats the black.

To see a weed in winter is a treat

Little children take delight in that

And those who grew up in a mill town street.

The little blades of green will feed the cat.

Do not take for granted tiny joys

These are the humble words that God employs

Sacramental trees

Maybe you didn’t know

When you touched me so.

Maybe you never knew

What your words would do.

I float across that space

Where lovers once embraced

And thus you bring torment

To me to whom love you sent.

When I close my eyes

My daytime face then dies.

I look across dark seas

To sacramental trees.

My dreams are full of loss.

Is night or day the worse?

When we return next here

Will love outstrip our fear?

I gaze upon your face,

Forbidden to embrace.

My arms ache deep inside,

As if in agony tied.

Torn apart by grief

Love is now a thief.

Where has God’s face gone

As brightly shines the sun?

The pains of life are sharp,

Cutting through the heart

But still we turn towards love,

With all the strength we have.

Trusting in the dark

And emptiness beside

I step into the void

Love can’t be denied