Tender buds at the break of spring

An equal chance to live

One denied and the other grows

The balance starts to tip

Still believed in nature’s law

Reaping what you sow

Betrayed by theft of summer’s crop

By snakes that did no work

*

Though my dreams were burned away

Rebuffed by earth’s cruel face

Enduring God will resurrect

Gold purpose in its place

*

Like fallen leaves on November soil

My soul pressed into cold

Decomposing hopes to have

The least of life I owned

Stalked by winter’s accusing winds

It’s goal to force-feed lies

Clenched my jaw, refused to yield

My right to truth and life

*

Tender buds at the break of spring

Another chance to live

Hate denied and mercy grows

The balance starts to tip

Love born out of suffering

Fortitude from pain

Intent on reaping righteousness

Each day that remains

*

Though my dreams were burned away

Rebuffed by earth’s cruel face

Redeeming God did resurrect

Gold purpose in its place

***