a fifth of vodka? -- YOU

I laugh because you are so much more brilliant than that and you don't even know it

exiting the store without the right age or the pay - the cops are sending you to court now

do they know you are an excellent artist, photographer, pianist? I bet they don't know.

I see you baby, pierced nose, pierced lip, pierced ears 

the ink biting your arm, your heart (Daddy sees it too)

I see you baby, staring up in disbelief

still pierced, still tattooed 

maybe even in the market for another

but collapsed at the alter 

your broken, wise eyes -- strangely fierce and truthful

you are the saved one, the saved one

you know grace

in a way I do not

You're taller than me, but a baby

a small prince, you can finally look in my eyes, pure one

Son of the Living God

I remember knowing you and understanding you in a way they did not

trying to peel back scripture for you and I think it is the last time you tried

taking up the corner of the gray couch

your heart poached with fear, fear, fear that has become numb with years

the devil who is overcome was even then dripping his alcohol, his drugs, his abuse, his thievery of child-hearts into yours

wish I knew about him then I would have kicked his ass

Your heart, I know who it belongs too

who I have been praying will take it

who I believe will take it in time

I will try to bridge this gap

and believe in a God who's hands are covered over you

laughing at our frenzy because

He is gentle, and he knows and with one word

your heart would be blooming, I know

you will understand me again, you will!