©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

repentand-seekchristjesus on Unsplash

I think my skin is on backwards
or maybe inside-out.
It feels too tight; it feels too loose.
It makes me wanna shout.

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

image by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

What is a father meant to be?
A haven, a refuge, a sheltering tree,
a pathway to follow, a good name to share,
a standard to hold up and faithfully bear,
a teacher, a mentor, a gift from above
to guide us, to lead us, to lift us with love.
∞§∞

If this poem resonates with you, you might also enjoy Father’s Fan Club.

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

photos by Valentin Balan on Unsplash

The years sit heavy on my back,
this face well-mapped by trails of pain.
These eyes, two tunneled railroad tracks,
are loath to bear the coming train.

2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

image by Danie Franco on Unsplash

Renew in me a righteous spirit, Lord,
a valiant spirit with a willing sword.
Make of me more than I alone can be,
a living oak with strong limbs raised to thee.

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

image by Karl Hedin from Unsplash

A mother’s love is bedrock and quicksilver.
It anchors her whole heart, then sets it free.
Forever bound, adorned in golden soul-strings,
she shimmers with eternal destiny.

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

image by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

hearts together, secrets shared
disagreements, gently aired
private jokes and public smirks
comfort with each other’s quirks

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

Unsplash – Image by Tasi Zoltan

We come to life with dreams and possibilities.
Life comes at us with loss and liabilities.
The twain shall meet, must meet in lows and highs—
their interplay, the price of growing wise.