Sweet fragrance
breathed in
yesterday remembered
comforts and safety
in the secret place
for me
to disappear
to imagine
to hope
under the bending branches
of the honeysuckle bush
there I learned
to cry without tears
to care without feeling
to pray without words
There I learned to hide

Today the memory
compassionately faded
the aroma of the honeysuckle
wafts about my nostrils
as I breathe in the fresh country air
I walk the hills
and hide no more
my dreams coming to be
hope the center of me
I write the tears
the feelings
the words
crying out loud
caring until it hurts
praying openly
Here I learned to live