parched and ashen heart,
you've made your home in the desert
your lover led you out of the tomb
and into this foreign land.
it's a long, long distance relationship
He's written you letters lush with promise
you inscribed His word upon your bosom like a mantra
in the silence of this barren expanse.

He's shown you beauty in the joshua trees.

oh parched and ashen heart,
your lover is gentle
"A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory."

eight thirty in the morning
a coffee, a cappucino
two egg sandwiches
a strawberry peach muffin
two weary souls,
an old brother-in-law named James,
his book in a big black book
(that belongs on a pulpit)
two cents.