A sonnet's power;

the heart to feel the tragedies of life;

Eternal bliss, a father's love,

the futile goals of strife.

Truth in rhyme, the subtle glance,

then quickly turn away;

A prophet's voice, a seer's eye,

a shroud to ease the pain.

Seductive to the very soul,

he knows he'll set you free;

Moving through your secret place,

the one you want to see.

In the darkness of your mind,

caressing all your fears;

Through your light of hope he flows,

the ecstasy revered.

To brush away the hardened stone,

the fortress built of shame;

To touch your deepest memory,

her bitterness to tame.

The lust to know, the wounds to bear,

reality deny;

To teach, console, to reconcile

and softly death defy.

Rhythm, movement, harmony,

a language of his own;

The word his tool to sanctify,

to know you're not alone.

Selfless love not gratified

in a soul to claim;

But fulfilled when truth received,

for peace and love regained.

The spirit soars, the light of life

to feel eternal truth;

Resurrection of the soul,

his goal eternal youth.

A poet's heart, a gift he gives,

his silent thunder's roar;

His offering, his blood to shed

to open your heart's door.

January 6, 1997