Jessica L. Morris

In the praise of my neighbor, 
I suddenly feel 
the heaviness 
of his power-filled 
footsteps 
patiently prowling the perimeter. 
It is there he discovers 
the gate unlocked 

– that wish I have 
to be seen 
known 
accepted – 

how many times 
I have fallen here 
I’ve lost count, 
yet this time there is 
no fear 
no anguish 
no shame, 
for the heaviness 
of his power-filled 
footsteps 
serves to
awaken my soul 
and 
I call out 
Your Name. 

As quickly as my ears hear 
the word from my lips,
the heaviness flees 
and takes with it 
my wishes.
You see, it knows 
that with You 
I AM 
seen 
known 
accepted.