I Am From...

We wrote "I Am From" poems in my poetry class this semester, and this is mine. For me, it feels like a tribute to my family.


On being a Boone...

I am from the bridge over Lake Junaluska
where Mimi said “Yes.”
From Pappy’s barn
just past the barbed wire fence
we crawl beneath
leaving our jeans stained
with the scent of wet grass and manure.

I am from Thomas Frederick and Betty Lee,
Hester Ann and Richard James,
David Sanford and Roxanne-with-no-middle-name
because she was a surprise.

I am from the napping blanket
stolen from my Mama’s house,
red and navy plaid with silver snaps,
soft, familiar, sleepy.

I am from potato soup and broccoli bread
started at 4 and served at 7
but no matter what I do,
I still can’t make mine taste like hers –
yet.

I am from the songs my Daddy plays while we sing
long fingers plucking,
shining eyes smiling,
as his girly-girls sing
whenever and wherever we are,
in harmony.

my heart hurts

more of the struggle...

tonight has been especially hard, for whatever reason. i cannot stop thinking about him. i want to know if we are really going to try again. i'm tired of playing the dating game. i just want "us". no one else.

...................................................................................................................................................
what does God think
now that I’m away from you
and the only thing I want
is to come home
to you?

what did He feel
when He heard us say
this feels good,
this feels right,
and
maybe we can try again?

what does my Father see
when he looks into my heart
is it lost with yours,
saved by grace,
and is there room enough
for both of you?

what does He hear
when I pray for your heart
asking Him to move you?
break down the walls you’ve built
so that when we leave this world
I won’t have to miss you anymore.

April 25, 2006

Quiet Conviction

I feel as though I'm in the middle of a huge a spiritual struggle. If I don't start talking about it, it will become an even bigger secret than it already is. I need prayer, and I'm not sure how to deal with how I'm feeling. I'm not sure why I feel the way I do. I want to make sure this is something I hold sacred and dear because I believe it. Not because someone told me to.



Quiet Conviction

quietly He whispers
asking me once more
His disobedient child
to break away from the world
and walk in faith beside Him

silently I lie awake
wishing it was easier
for my restless flesh
to trust in His ways
and live only for Him

softly He calls me
reminding me again
His love is all I need
abound in grace, peace and mercy
if I will only follow Him

humbly I seek forgiveness
wondering if my stubborn spirit
will finally rest in Him
separated from the sin
that leaves my heart convicted

April 2006