When the sun rose this morning
I blew hope into the air
causing a leaf to fly
across the sky like a carrier pigeon
with a message so delicate and pure
the rain began to fall from my eyes
landing on the shape of my flesh
onto my parched tongue
scorched speechless by human words
that left a residue of bitterness
but also blessing because
I could still find breath
enough to hug myself.

Linda Joy Walder