I hear the waves
like the heartbeat
in the deep ocean tides
as I hold to the memory
of the world's
solemn eyes

Where we touch
in the places
in our spirit divine
where all time erases
the pain
left behind

No battered nobody
no innocent child
shall fall to the earth
Beaten and wild

While I yet draw breath
to stand in this breach
with a chance for one last
to extend hope and reach

No restless night
shall I let pass unanswered
No hidden heart
shall hold their words

If we are untrue,
unkind or unmoved
where will help surface
and from whom?

(August 9th, 2017)