fists held high

Little Girl fists held high,

Holding back the tears,

The wall slowly being built inside.

Tenderness giving way to fear,

Raw emotions finding places to hide,

Relationships out of focus, no longer clear.

All held at arm’s length,

Not allowing others to draw too near,

Erected for safety, a picket fence.

All energy used to control the gate.

Relaxed appearance a pretense.

Love expressed in shallow haste.

Running towards a well that’s deep,

Glimpses of eternity impart a foretaste

Of a tidal wave of loving so steep,

Hard hearts and broken promise are laid waste.

Fists become open palms,

Pouring into arms wide,

 Abundance of healing balm,

Where past and truth collide.

Feet swiftly going forward

Obedience requires this love to be amplified

Heart no longer hemmed in or bordered

No barricade to stop the loving tide.