My Heart

Derrick Ashford

An angel of sheer beauty,
Sits in my arms,
Not bound to duty.

They touch me with the love
I long for, making me thank
The forces above.

But my mind remains shackled
By previous engagements,
The strife and grief tackled

On my own time. Tears bounced
From cheek to chin, both quivered with pain.
Like an animal who pounced

On prey, I desire the taste of temporary
Pleasure to leave the temporary place of hurt.
I hated myself unfairly,

Being my own judge, jury,
And executioner, I felt no better
Than the scum who I aimed my fury

But as the angel who holds
me so tightly and warmly,
I remember a teaching from old

Grandfather would tell me we
Are our own finest enemy,

And that only when
people accept they can feel
Their emotions, then

We can truly grow and find
What we look for. A smile
comes upon my face and mind

As I realize the full nature of
My healing heart: This love-
sent from God above-

Plays my heartstrings
like a harp; the song more
powerful than Demons who
wears an Angel’s Wings.