the teac[her].

she is teaching us.
as her heart is cracked 
into a million 
different pieces
it still is formed into a whole.
she teaches us, 
as the one she gave her heart to-
handles it recklessly, 
selfishly
with insolence.
she always returns it to him,
as if he dropped it on the sidewalk 
unaware
her eyes meet his
with gentleness, with kindness,
with great compassion
and we hold our breath
begging heaven 
this kindness 
will lead to 
repentance.
she teaches us
as his mouth spills forth 
empty promises, 
lofty theories
and misshapen apologies
her fingers extend 
grace 
and we can smell 
her sweet fragrant humility.
she is teaching us
what a tree 
firmly rooted in 
the Living Water looks like
how it does not 
easily sway
when torrents of pain 
downpour,
when blistering winds blow in
from the south
filled with uncertainty.
she stands strong,
her roots dig all the more deeply 
into the rich soil
of Faith.
she is teaching us
commitment, unselfishness,
perseverance,
and we stand
alongside her
our heads bowed,
both in sorrow and in hope.
we hurt for our sister,
our friend
yet she awakens us,
reminds us
of the Tree of Life,
and how it bears much fruit.
oh dear sister,
may we live to see
him and you
take hold of the choicest fruit,
taste
and see that
it is
good.