Barefoot

Voices calling to heaven in joy,

hear them singing through the door

that holds me from them yet.

Toes tapping in the water

that darkens the carpet;

so cold it soaks through to my soul.

And I shake,

teeth chattering.

(From the cold or from the butterflies,

I could never say.)

One last hug and I’m alone

staring into the water

whispering just one more prayer

one more thank you.

And the door opens again,

closes again;

as I start up the stairs,

stumbling over the clothes.

Blinds are opened,

singing stops;

all eyes on me.

Shivering within myself;

one last breath,

he says my name, a few more words.

Close my eyes.

I feel his hand on my shoulder,

pull me down and raise me up.

And I’m clean!

able to breathe.

able to see.

able to live.

Cold and wet,

yet so warm and dry.

Through the door to my new family,

Hear the singing,

and I join in.

So many hugs

so many hellos,

as I am welcomed in.

One more prayer

one more thank you.

Washed from sin,

I am alive.