when belief
becomes tangible
blood flows
through veins
in the same way
but
an invisible element
now pulses
with each heartbeat
not
measurable by
any
scientific means
but
all the same
real
there is
a calmness
and
peaceful demeanor
ever-present
that sense
that
someone
is holding
you close
each hour
of the day
we whisper words
that go unheard
we hold our breath
and
choose not
to breathe
we practice
self-immolation
our burning words
going unheard
until the anger
subsides
a well-heeled
youth pastor
inquired
of aunt bea
whether
or not
there were
any
destitute youths
living with her
hearing no
he began to
talk about
the disadvantaged
and
their bankrupted souls
how they were
unwilling to accept
his words
a gift
of how
to reach
salvation
and
enlightenment
aunt bea
looked him
dead in the eye
and
said
honey
you can’t
give
what you
ain’t
got
if men believe not
no hiding place for their souls
would they freely die
child
vessel
of god
sacrament
of angels
entrusted
to parents
sacrificed
for corporate
greed
in war
bapa dola
said
hate and anger
are
like
ficus seeds
perhaps
embedded
at first
with righteousness
but
if not
removed
by hands
of forgiveness
in prayer
their roots
soon reach
down into
the very soil
of the soul
and
upward
into the canopy
of the mind
blocking
all light
of reason
in time
strangling all
that was
or
could be
leaving
only
a hollow core
while you were busy
finishing your clever games
the real game ended
her visions
of life
and
of love
were taken
from the pages
stored
under her bed
well
read chapters
on romance
and
passion
lustful words
taken as
instructions
on reality
becoming
a sacred text
a holy book
for her existence
and
behavior
under the sheets
and like
all
lies repeated
belief
becomes
all
that one
sees
hand-carved words
adorn the page
imprints of lives
some with short
precise strokes
others with long
flowing lines
some sit anchored
on the page
while others seem
to move about
like gypsies
moving from
paragraph to paragraph
a few words
are encased in sadness
always showing tear drops
above their i’s
or
before and after
they speak
while others
seem to swirl
with a joyful flare
but alas
all words
have
their ending
edward
stopped by
to see
aunt bea
she said
oh
look at you
all grown
running fast
and
hard
in the city
willing
to compromise
anything
for your
everything
no needs
just
wants
in your life
back in
your little hometown
talking like
you’ve got
nothing to lose
you’re
so
full of yourself
just look at you
no honey
i
mean
take
a close
look
at yourself
