I press against the walls of my own skin a bud too tight to breathe. Rain falls heavy and cold with sorrow turning soil where roots live sludge. beg for warmth or comfort but sky remains shut its gray mouth full thunder ruin. whisper towards sky begging– take me away. Take away let taste even single ray sun. And clouds unwind light spills through like silk it all see You. You kneel me small trembling cold hurt brush away wet salt. Your fingers find thorns in sides gently plucking all that has hurt me. dig deep into stale dirt removing from earth failed In palms am weightless free. carry field colors live once more others dance choir soft wind. set down cover rich embraces welcomes I’m able breathe open blossom. Live. All can offer is gratitude yet hands ask nothing. Sweet Sheppard how ever repay you? have saved so many each plucked shadows placed fresh meadow. we rise together our petals lifted by continue work tireless gold-hearted sowing miracles Earth.