For my Mother

Before these eyes of mine could see
when darkness still surrounded
I'm confident that in my soul
I heard your voice within me

And on the day I came to Earth
the light - the noise - overwhelming
it was your hands, your voice, your love
that protected and gently held me

Toddling steps, unsure of the path,
often sent me careening
but you were always there upon falling
with band-aids, hugs, and kisses.

But band-aids couldn't fix it all
when others tried to break me
you watched as I would push away
sure that no one loved me

Through all the drama and the tears
when parents just weren’t “cool”
when nobody could understand
and all the world was against me

It was you that brought me back,
with your love never failing
your quiet strength and endless faith
a solid, firm foundation

I’ve seen you kneel and plead with God
for more than twenty years now
to guide, guard, and bless your children
to bring them safely home

You may not know, but I believe,
you’ve answered your own prayer
A loving Father gave me a mother
who loves me every day.

My feet cannot dance

My feet cannot dance

My feet cannot dance
Catch a rhythm or beat
Cannot feel the way the music moves, repeats
My feet often stumble
Refusing to move
the way that I can see them, inside, do
I watch with a longing
Painful, pervading,
as you gracefully leap, creating.

I tell my feet, dance,
But they do not listen
My heart begs to sway,
To be lost in the music
But the music is trapped
Within my chest

Scornful smiles meet my feeble attempts
As light feet, twirls, grace, surround me
But if you could see within my mind
The beauty, the light, the emotion profound
Inside, I am moving, swaying, feeling
Expressing myself
There is no one mocking, or jeering, or judging
But only my own breathtaking beauty.
You cannot see, but I can hear
You cannot know, but I can feel
My feet cannot dance,
But my heart always will.