Layered in the voices
of atonement
in the choices
of the moment
spoken in the broken
utterances of an omen
Here we simple
in our little frames
speak the same
day to day
until the wind
that stirs within
opens up our hearts
to say
Come stranger
into the fold
This old soul
is a tender home
and a sturdy shield
more than you know
For after every storm
I built it new
and strengthened
the beams
and worked it true
I added rooms
and spun on looms
A blanket more
and a curtain new
You are welcome
here in this old place
It don't look like much
Yet by grace
It is warm
Dry and free
of all the things
that hurt you and me
For this is a hearth
where we are kin
I'll light this candle
as we begin
to share its cozy
and subtle treasure
not a fortune
by worldly measure
and yet if we
our humble faces
show in the light
these better graces
Shall we not
indeed have more
than many people
who've come before
Shall not they wonder
at the sight
of two strangers
like us
at peace in the night