My bows and congrats to Michelle McKinney Hammond, a single woman, a Christian, and hands-down my favorite author.
The Reward of Virtue ...
He watched her from afar off
savoring her special brand of poetry
etched in every step she took
full of grace
vibrating with strength
a reed in the wind
bowing down
but always rising again
there was something about her ...
he took her in as she extended her arms
willowy and gentle
possessing secret power
not obvious to the undiscerning eye
her hands wiped
brows fevered with fear and trepidation
and healed them
her touch as cool as her comforting words
soothed those uncertain
and gave sight to the blind
she moved soundlessly through confusion
leaving peace in her wake
while those before her were warmed by her eyes
and the tenderness of her smile
yet strangely moved
even changed
by her appearing
unexplainable as it were
she left no one the same
so profound
was her influence
and though many could not put their finger
on the exact word
that rearranged their hearts
they were sure of the source
it was her
something about her
for long before she was announced
her presence was known
it was felt
the air changed
her virtue saturated
the atmosphere
and brought rest
to tongues too busy
hands too weary
minds too troubled
it was her
something about her
not heralded but recognized
drawing like a magnet
all those thirsty
for refreshing
her spirit gave them drink
and far more times than she knew her closeness was enough
to set the captive free
to release those with severed wings
to take flight
and as she laughed in delight
they soared upon the music
of her exultation
until they reached their destination
returning to roost
in the cool of her shadow
until she urged them on again
and they rose
they carried her with them
tucking her in a safe place inside themselves
that they could revisit
time and time again
for in the end the power they found to fly
was wrapped inside her prayers
coaxed forth by her faith
birthed by
her ...
there was something about her ...
