far from perfect
and in need of grace
we found our way
to unconditional love

love for you
became her care
until she joined you there
grief gives way to fields and wind
and now I hear your voice again

another year
has passed since
my mother’s passing
I sit and quietly read
a book she would like too

all that has happened
since the last time they bloomed
lilacs

different shapes
of the rose bush
and lilacs in the yard
they grew towards
the light

knowing
they cannot stay
but will return
lilacs

old paintings
words from my parents
still encourage me

Thy statutes have been my songs
in the house of my pilgrimage.

Psalm 119: 54 (KJV)

“love for you” was written for my father years ago, and published in Bell’s Letters.

“far from perfect” was published first at Poems From Psalms And Nature.

Ellen Grace Olinger