Collecting

She collects dolls, Babies, she calls them, Little darlings, children – honey Like a mother, she touches them, Piecing together clothing for infants, toddlers – Girls and boys who might Tell her she is better than she believes In her heart, where she can see The darkness, the doubt, the dreadful Things that make her, despite her best intentions, Still human – still human after all is said And done, she is still only human He collects trinkets, cars, Toys that once thrilled some child, Eager little inventions Bold flames on their sides, Burgundy and yellow, cobalt blue Reflecting the joy in his face When he sees a new car, a new bauble Some small joy that blazes With inspirations that amaze him, Enriching his collection, his assortment Grows, like the leaves in spring, Beneath a noonday sun, who sweetens Even the grief with the belief That this is fantastic, all this greed For these jewels he believes Are far more beautiful than others see My aunt collects plants, Everywhere in her house, sitting On shelves, lining the window Seals, green – like gentle promises, Every shape and color of green, Growing, nurtured by the sun, the Watering she does every week – After she plucks the drier leaves and Tucks them away in the trash, Where they can’t see The way she talks to the remnant, Fading beneath her words Peaceful and dreaming of a world Where sun and rain erase Even the shadows that create Whispers of grace surrounding Hands who grow more than weeds, These floras know the rich, Vibrant touch of her faithful, cultivating Darkness collects stars Shimmering, toasting the universe With breathless miracles, Hues of beautiful covering the night Bringing wishes to the heart, Inspiring music in the thoughts, Using the nocturnal – the dusty dusk, To silence the fears, wash away Lost tears so that there is Reverence for the One who created Such wonder, such joy – Peace beyond the soul’s expectations As the darkness continues To hold the moon at its heart, Promising the glimmering rumors From the legends in the sky To surprise love with a song, like a psalm Meant for the One who we know As God, the love who lights Day and night with His embrace, The kiss of insight, grace that desires Only to listen to our prayers, heal And destroy every fear, every tear With love that is forever near Of every collection, every collector Knows, deep down inside, The only collection that truly matters, The only compilation that is designed To bring life from death… Is the collection of souls that we know Come to life because He is alive And He shows the way to eternal life With the One who made us all, The heart and soul, the moon and stars With love that decides when To collect us all – together, so we can live with Him, forever!