holy words
the words with which you blessed me
holy words
the words with which you saved me
holy words
the words you called as the lifeboat found me
safety
I said you can sleep
I said
you can sleep in my arms
safe
and I will be vigilant
You were asleep in my arms
when
they kicked down the door to take me away
my arms are empty
in the empty room
I hope you remember sleeping
safe
I hope you remember sleeping
It is not safe. I cannot return.
It is not safe. I cannot return.
Yes, I can read. In my language, not yours. I am trying.
It is not safe. I cannot return.
I thank you in my language, in my heart, in my prayers.
It is not safe. I cannot return.
I thank you for your patience, for the food you share with me, for the hand you hold under my elbow. For everything.
It is not safe. I cannot return.
Published on http://www.paragraphplanet.com 16 July 2016
From force of habit
Even on a sunny day, from force of habit
I stand in the bus shelter,
safe below its roof.
I could say it’s just like
holding on to your hand for too long
or sitting closer than is comfortable
for you.
But similar pale comparisons are easy enough
for you to make up for yourself
so I’ll just stand here quietly in the bus shelter,
looking out at the sun.
You folded me
You folded me in your wings and I felt safety.
My heartbeat echoed your heart, and slowed.
There is always time for ever.
simonsalento 