Rain fell heavy on my way here,
My world felt harsh and bleak.
I thought I may not make it near,
That I could hear you speak.

I showed up chilled, was shivering,
You opened wide your door.
You lead me till my soul was stilled.
I rest as I’ve done before.

You know when it’s safe to touch me
And when not to stand so close,
And when to simply watch me,
That I’ll know I’m not alone.

See when the ground beneath me
Is all I have. Don’t get me wrong.
I’d like to give it up but
It’s the only place where I belong.

See the ghosts I’m haunted with,
Oh, speak to them for me!
I’ve been at war for too long.
God heal my memory.

Copyright 2015, L.L. Shelton

(This poem was originally written as a dedication to Buffie, Cindy, and Jill, and some time following came to be inclusive of my thoughts of Amber.  I have many lovely sisters in Christ, but these women, so close to me in age, life experience, shared values and ability to love, are my heart.)

In Him she will rise
In my darkest hour
Loving steadfastly
Filled with His power
Hopeful in sorrow
Faithful while wise
My new tomorrow
Shines from her eyes.

In Him she will rise
My brightest joy herald
Announcing His prize
His praises carol
Knowing He raises
Me to my place
His infinite mercy
Shines in her face.

Together we stand
Our hearts in our hands
Offering to share
What we know of I AM
Our honor is bound
Our courage is found
To be to each other
Jesus The Lamb.

Copyright 2014, L.L. Shelton

Vision blinding
Vision bright
Vision darker
Than the night

Vision seeing
Vision glowing
Vision feeling
Vision sowing

Now the reaping
Cold winds blowing
Turns away
From awful knowing

Vision clearing
Vision bright
Vision plowing
Through the night

Vision seeing
Vision growing
Vision feeling
Vision knowing

Now the reaping
Brings the morning
Turning toward
The Artful Knowing

L.L. Shelton, Copyright 2014

You are Life
And into It you breathed
Your Spirit,
Into created form- Your body,
Into created formless- Your soul,
I am enamored of You.
I love The Zoo.

You are Life
And into me you breathed
Your Spirit,
Into my body- Your creation,
Into my soul- Your salvation,
I am enamored of You.
I love The Zoo.

I will follow Life
Anywhere or everywhere
Spirit lead,
Into created form- Your worlds,
Into created formless- Your worlds,
Anywhere and everywhere
I am enamored of You.
I love The Zoo.

I will nurture Life
Anywhere or everywhere
Spirit fed,
Into my body- Your health
Into my spirit- Your strength
Anywhere and everywhere
I am enamored of You.
I love The Zoo.

Copyright 2014, L.L. Shelton

Drones flying,
Children are crying,
They’re alone in the dark,
And it’s breaking the heart.
But they’ll be good- never tell,
Cause this must be love.
This must be love.
Is it from Heaven
Or is it from Hell?

Neighbors spying,
While not even trying,
From his poor perspective-
See! It’ll never be his objective,
To lighten his brothers large load,
Cause this must be love.
This must be love.
Is it from Heaven
Or is it from Hell?

She sits by the phone,
Wonders when he’ll be home,
These days his boss is on his back.
Key in the door and he braces himself,
Knows he’s in for yet another attack,
Cause this must be love.
This must be love.
Is it from Heaven
Or is it from Hell?

Staring at pictures.
Girls wearing no clothes,
My wife must do, I suppose.
He closes his eyes remembering.
He doesn’t respond to her trembling,
Cause this must be love.
This must be love.
Is it from Heaven
Or is it from Hell?

We know the Truth!
We have the Proof!
We have to tell-
Tell it so well.
This isn’t Love!
This can’t be Love!
Love is from Heaven,
Love’s Grand, and it’s real.

Copyright 2014, L.L. Shelton

All the pretties that you dangle,
The glitter and the gold,
Will not entice me from my Maker’s hand
For in it I’ve grown bold.

I am nurtured by His goodness.
I am nourished by His grace.
I am wrapped up in His Presence,
Most Glorious Hiding Place!

Though in my frailty I would flee,
His faithfulness has rescued me.
I am tethered by His Love,
Unfailing Master of Eternity!

Copyright 2014, L.L. Shelton

You plan no future.
You claim no past.
Winter lurks behind the mask.

Spring is feigned.
Summer is an illusion.
Fall seems eternal inside your delusion.

Finally, sweet winter roars,
Comes forth to settle every score,
Takes your life by its own hand;
No wonder that there was no plan.

Copyright 2014, L.L. Shelton

Infinite, lovely, awesome shape
Leads some of us to contemplate
And therein lies a great debate
Did we ourselves alone create
Stunning, powerful, graceful eight?

Copyright 2014, L.L. Shelton