White. Bright Heart

Absolution

I was alone,
my small dark soul,
its wings hunched
beneath shame's weight.
The little light in the quiet
where I whispered sins
to the tired priest,
still rests inside that child’s heart.
Sweet sad light.

Today, I walked beside a lake
and startled when I saw the swans
released before the sun’s warm arms
have lifted leaves and grasses.

March is cold, but full of light;
a light that fills the outstretched wings
of a freed and joyous heart.
Oh white! White! White!
Oh white, bright heart!


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