Revisiting the Past - My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3 (2014-2018)
I Am No More...
No longer on
The ocean floor
That speck of sand
I am no more
That grain of sand
Beneath the sea
The one you stood upon
'twas me
I'm free to live
A life so grand
Above the sea
Upon the land
I'll travel hither
To and fro
Upon the wind
I shall go
Where ought my dreams
Should carry me
Amidst a breeze
I shall be free
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Tell Me Something Good...
Tell me something good
I'm only asking for one thing not two
It's certain to get easier
Every time you do
Tell me something good
A story, riddle or ryhme
Soon you'll find yourself focused
On the good most all the time
Tell me something good
Something that makes you smile
Tell me of your happy thoughts
Come sit with me awhile
The good is all around you
Just look and you will see
If you look real closely
You might find there's good in me
Tell me someting good
I'm only asking for one thing not two
Take a good look within yourself
Because I'm certain there's good in you
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Help Set My Spirit Free...
If you hit me with your car
Or run me over with your truck
Please don't leave me laying there
Like I'm just a piece of junk
Place me in a hole
Beneath a nice shade tree
Won't you take an extra moment now
And set my spirit free
I may not have been human
But I did have feelings too
If the shoe were on the other foot
I'd want respect for you
I died from broken body
A most painful death you see
Please do this one last kindness
Help set my spirit free
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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I Meant No Harm...
I meant no harm
When I walked your way
On that my last
Warm sunny day
I looked at you
With gentle eyes
But your intent
Was to terrorize
You picked me up
Then tied me down
Slammed my body
Onto the ground
You kicked and hit
And tortured me
Squeezed my neck
'til I could not breathe
What did I do
To deserve this fate
To stir in you
Such intense hate
I came to love
To comfort too
To show unwavering
Love for you
You took my life
I know not why
At your hands
I had to die
I trusted you
To care for me
And in return
There I'd always be
At Rainbow Bridge
Now I run and play
On this a new
Safe warm sunny day
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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I Called Your Name...
I called your name
In the middle of the night
To ease my pain
To calm my fright
I called your name
To see me through
I sought to catch
A glimpse of you
I closed my eyes
As tears I cried
I longed to feel you
By my side
A loving hug
To reassure
Reminding me
I can endure
A simple touch
To know you’re there
To be reminded
That you care
I know you think
That I am strong
It’s true I am
You are not wrong
But even I
Get lonely too
And there are times
When I need you
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Dream Scape...
Sleeping sound
Sweet dreams abound
My soul is lost at play
Exploring worlds
'til dreamt unfound
Nor seen at light of day
No thought of time
I turn to find
The dust of fairies fall
Next I see
The fairies flee
Through a tiny magic wall
A sound of music
Calls to me
A familiar sound I hear
I climb atop
An angel's wings
That suddenly appears
Carried safely
On angel wings
I rest without a fear
As slowly my eyes
Open wide
I awake as dawn draws near
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Invisible Scars...
Invisible scars
The result of abuse
Bind me tight
Like a hangman's noose
They cover my heart
In dark despair
A constant reminder
Life's not always fair
Depression and sadness
I try to fight
Upon my rising
From a sleepless night
What is the purpose
In living life
So overshadowed
By pain and strife
What are the lessons
What knowledge bared
To grow up in a world
Where it seems few cared
I toil and tarry
Each day that I live
Knowing those who have hurt me
I must forgive
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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The Bitter Cold...
The bitter cold
Creeps silently through my bones
Burning my body
With its numbing chill
In the dark of night
I sit alone
Paralyzed by fear
Of the unknown
What evil lurks in the darkness
Waiting to feast upon my demise
I'm too cold to run
Too cold to rise
I wonder how I came to be
All alone in this dreary place
I exist without a name
I exist without a face
I'm growing weary
My time is near
Soon I will no longer
Have need to fear
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Here's My Story...
Broken and bruised
Once upon a time
Here's my story
Wrapped up in a rhyme
I came into life
Early to see
What this big world
Had in store for me
There was sorrow and hardships
Broken hearts quite a few
Tragedy and death
But I had love too
Education and jobs
Friends old and new
Days when I felt
Lost and confused
Pain that I thought
I could never forget
Yet learning somehow
That I had to forgive
Life's what you make it
I've learned this too
With each day the sun rises
I start life anew
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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You've Broken the Chains...
Now finally free
From the darkness I'm finding
You've broken the chains
Cut loose all the bindings
You've made straight my path
Lightened my way
Given reason to trust
To be grateful each day
The past is behind me
As new life begins
Letting go of the losses
Holding onto the wins
The choices I'd made
Some good and some bad
A faint glowing reflection
Of the life that I had
Lessons I've learned
To share and to grow
As on with my journey
I continue to go
Many miracles await me
Showing You care
Little constant reminders
That You're always near
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Box-top Finished Picture...
My eyes were open
Still I couldn't see
Through the longing and loss
All You had waiting for me
I couldn't know then
What I know today
Miracles and blessings
Just don't happen that way
It took faith and patience
And trusting You
Something I admit
I didn't always do
Each piece of the puzzle
Has a purpose and a place
A specific reason
In infinite time and infinite space
This puzzle of life
Each piece a unique fit
The box top finished picture
To see it, a gift
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Stored Safe in a Box...
Raisinets and Goobers
Pop Rocks and such
Chewing gum cigarettes
I loved them so much
Sunny summer days
Playing down by the creek
Lost in imagination
Every day seemed a week
Fishing for minnows
Using cheeseballs and dough
Thankful for sunshine
Each day wanting more
The occasional found treasure
Stored safe in a box
Skimming the river
With smooth flattened rocks
A fort in a tree
Or built in the sand
I was an explorer
Traversing new land
Those days all were treasures
They're not hard to find
I keep them locked safely
Storied in a box in my mind
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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A Grand Adventure...
Night is falling
Soon dawn will rise
As you yawn and stretch
Washing the sleep from your eyes
Grabbing some coffee
A slice of toast or two
You start your day
With so much to do
It's a grand adventure
You've set out on
Leaving family and friends
A familiar home
Experiencing new cultures
With heart open wide
You gladly welcome the changes
Taking place deep inside
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Every Life Has A Soul...
It hurts my heart
The things I see
Day after day
Surrounding me
Abandoned dogs
Left to survive on their own
Lonely and abused children
So many people without homes
Violence that took
Someone's life senselessly
While an innocent soul on death row
Remains there on technicality
Race wars and spiritual wars
Uprisings in streets
Never bring about winnings
Rest assured only defeats
We must choose to unite
For each life has a soul
A spirit that matters
A journey, a goal
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Holding Each Moment...
I sit with back
Propped against the wall
Deep in thought
As I try to recall
That one short season
Which has long since passed
At the time must have seemed
'twould forever last
A wee little child
Perhaps three or four
Playing with pots and pans
On mom's waxed floor
Without a care
Of what life would bring
The scent of a flower
Other seemingly little things
Holding each moment
In my tiny hands
Without clue or understanding
Of mere mortal man
A carefree existence
No plans to be made
The path of my journey
Had already been paved
A lifetime ago
How quickly time's passed
My life as a child
'twas not meant to last
Seeing life now
Through eyes that have aged
I choose each day
With life to engage
Making the time
To watch butterflies flit
Feeling the warmth of the sun fade
Each night as it sets
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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An Empty Seat...
It's Christmas season
Once again
A special time to remember
Family and friends
The tree's all a glow
Ornaments hung just right
All the children are playing
Their laughter brings much delight
The stockings are hung
Presents wrapped with great care
The fragrance of baked cookies
Wafts through the air
Through the sights and the laughter
We can't help but adore
We hold a place in our hearts
For those here no more
An empty seat at the table
During the Christmas Day meal
The longing it brings
We can't help but feel
So we say a prayer
To our memories hold tight
And give thanks to God
For those still here tonight
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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His Mighty Hands...
His mighty hands
Lead the way
Pointing out my path
So I don't stray
His mighty hands
Lift me up
When the daily grind
Seems a bit too much
His mighty hands
Hold me close
When I'm missing those
I love the most
His mighty hands
Protect and shield
His loving comfort
Seems to never yield
May His mighty hands
Hold me tight
Bringing peaceful dreams
As I sleep tonight
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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I See Beauty...
I see beauty in the shadows
The leaves of trees cast
I see beauty in rainbows
And other things that don't last
I see beauty in sunsets
Of red, orange and gold
I see beauty in the wisdom
Of a mind that's grown old
I see beauty in a puppy
That sleeps any which way
I see beauty in children
Who fight the tire of play
I see beauty when Mother Nature
Tosses winter blankets around
I see beauty in springtime
As life springs up all around
I see beauty in the people
With disabilities
I see beauty in them knowing
They're the one's who truly see
I see beauty in the stars
Scattered across the Universe
I see beauty in them all
Wondering which one was placed first
I see beauty as I watch
Fish exploring their tank
For all this beauty and much more
It's God that I thank!
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Beautiful Dream Weaver...
Beautiful Dream Weaver
Weave me a dream
Make the colors bright and vibrant
As you weave together each scene
Cast your spell upon me
Sprinkle fairy dust on my head
May God's Angels stand watch around me
That I might sleep minus fear or dread
Beautiful Dream Weaver
Please fill my dreams
With love, light and laughter
With wondrous and magical things
In the morning when I wake
When it's time for me to rise
May the memories of the dreams you wove
Continue to dance in my mind
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Our Souls are Connected...
I say I'm okay
But really I'm not
Anticipating a loss
Holds my most every thought
Making each moment
As special as I can
I hold you close
Your paw in my hand
A tiny pup
All those years ago
All the love you would show me
I couldn't possibly know
I look in your eyes
So bright and so clear
Even now they remind me
There's nothing to fear
Our souls are connected
Have always been and will always be
Not even death
Can end the love between you and me
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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We Are Awakening...
We spend each day
Living, learning, loving
We are growing
We let go of ego
Embrace awareness
We are evolving
We move beyond the past
Living each moment, NOW!
We are maturing
We see more clearly
Forgiving and moving on
We are becoming wise
We love with hearts wide open
Allowing life to unfold naturally
We are awakening
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Every Breath New Life...
Give me wings
So I can fly
Hither and fro
Across the sky
A gentle breeze
To keep me aloft
My occasional landing
Safe and soft
Wondrous sights
Draw me near
Fill me with love
No time for fear
Each day a gift
As mysteries unfold
Every breath new life
A story waiting to be told
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Like a Scared Little Turtle...
My heart is breaking
All over again
First pain then numbness
Will it ever end
The mental tapes
Spin reel-to-reel
They play non-stop
Telling me how to feel
Your silence cuts me
Like a sharp butchers knife
Leaving me to question
My purpose in life
I'll bury my feelings
Deep inside
Like a scared little turtle
Within my shell I'll hide
No longer will I give you
Access to my heart
I should have known better
From the very start
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Liquid Bullets...
The sky is turning gray
Storm clouds rolling in
Flashes of lightening overhead
Off in the distance
A growing roar of thunder
Like an ocean wave breaking against the shore
Countless people rush by
Oblivious to one another
Each in their own little world
I stand alone
Beneath a firing squad
A firing squad of liquid bullets
I feel the sting on my body
At first one, then two
Suddenly I can no longer discern one from the next
The sky has opened up
The holes from the liquid bullets
Release all I hold inside
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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You Lift Me Up...
The wind is blowing
Howling through the trees
By candle light
I hit my knees
With hands raised up
Head held low
I speak in whispers
Words You already know
Giving thanks for this day
For family and friends
The gratitude I feel
It never ends
You lift me up
Each and every day
Blessing me with courage
To find my way
To stay the fight
When life gets tough
I'm cradled safely
Within Your love
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Time is an Illusion...
Time is an illusion
It neither comes nor goes
There is no past or future
Now is all time knows
Time is an illusion
It doesn't stop or start
It is and always was
Like the endless beating of a heart
Time is an illusion
It's something we create
A flaw in our design no doubt
Is our constant hurry up and wait
Time is an illusion
It only exists within our mind
If we step outside our conscious thought
No time there will we find
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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If You Really Knew Me...
If you really knew me
You'd know how hard I try
To hide the pain I feel inside
My fight to stay alive
If you really knew me
You'd know the hidden fear
That comes with opening myself up
From letting you draw near
If you really knew me
You'd know the tears I've shed
The memories that haunt me
They live inside my head
If you really knew me
You'd know I'm not so strong
You'd see the battles that I fight
Each day just to hang on
If you really knew me
You'd feel it in my touch
The endless ache for love I feel
How I've longed for it so much
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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How Will I Know...
How will I know
When the right one's come along
Will You speak it in a whisper
Of the morning bird's song
How will I know
The one that's meant to be
Will You leave a message in the dew
On a rose pedal for me
How will I know
When it's time to trust again
Will You tell me in a touch
The first time we hold hands
How will I know
If friendship's turned to love
Will You write it on my heart
Will I feel it in a hug
I know somehow I'll know
In time I'm sure I'll see
I trust the answer lies in You
And in time You'll share it with me
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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You Can't Chain a Butterfly...
You can't chain a butterfly
Nor should you even try
The joy's in watching her flutter about
Dancing with the sky
You can't chain a butterfly
Her beauty 's within her wings
Color's bright and vibrant
Aloft the wind she softly sings
You can't chain a butterfly
Nor hold her in a snare
Lest to your surprise you'll wake to find
Someday she's no longer there
You can't chain a butterfly
She has to know she's free
To travel where the soft winds blow
To alight upon a breeze
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Forgiveness...
Forgiveness starts
With letting go
Allowing deep
Vulnerabilities to show
Forgiveness breaks
The chains that bind
That hold pain captive
In space and time
Forgiveness releases
Doubt and fear
Allowing others
To once again draw near
Forgiveness helps
The heart to mend
Forgiveness makes room
For love again
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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This Is Who I Am...
This is who I am
Look closely if you want to see
All the many facets
Brought together to make me
When looking at the surface
You might see a smile wide
But it doesn't tell the story
Behind all that's deep inside
The trials and all the hardships
Battles lost along the way
Courage and strength from Spirit
It's what keeps me going each day
Add to that a kind hello
From a stranger on the street
Unique connection with someone
I'd no idea I'd ever meet
The bark of a friendly dog
Watching a squirrel play in a tree
Staring at the clear blue skies
As far as the eyes can see
Engaged in a favorite hobby
Spending time with family and friends
This is just some of what brings me joy
Part of what makes me who I am
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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I Take Refuge...
The wind is blowing
It's cold outside
Under my covers
I retreat to hide
From howling wind
Snow mixed with sleet
I take refuge
'neath warm flannel sheet
A candle glowing
Beside my bed
Soft feather pillow
Beneath my head
Counting my blessings
I drift off to sleep
Thankful for the warm
Fuzzy socks on my feet
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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That's How Life Changes...
In the blink of an eye
That's how life changes
What once was
Suddenly rearranges
The way life was
It is no more
When one door closes
It's said He opens one more
Life goes on
Days come and go
We live and learn
Struggle and grow
Our hearts get broken
Then slowly mends
If only to be broken
Someday once again
The pain of loss
Whether big or small
At some point touches
One and all
Life goes on
For those left behind
The mystery to it all
Perhaps on this earth not ours to find
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Be Inspired...
Be inspired
By what you see
A turtle crossing a street
Shade cast by a tree
Be inspired
By a song you hear
A fawn you see nursing
On sweet mother deer
Be inspired
Watching children play
Never seeming to tire
Though playing all day
Be inspired
Reading a book
They're all around
If you care to look
Be inspired
As evening sun sets
Be inspired each day
Before taking your rest
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Come All Ye..
Come all ye
With spirits downtrodden
All ye which feel
Lost and forgotten
Come all ye
With true love to give
With heartfelt compassion
Your life's meant to live
Come all ye people
Those cast to the side
Such tremendous obstacles
You fought and survived
Come all ye people
With hearts tired and sore
Still believing there's so much
To love and adore
Come all ye animals
Broken and bruised
By those that you trusted
You took your abuse
Come all ye animals
Hungry and alone
A safe place is waiting
For you to call home
Come all ye beings
Whether human or not
You were created for a reason
Lest ye forgot
Come all ye beings
Your light shining bright
Remember your purpose
Don't give up the fight
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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I Stopped...
I stopped to make a turn
When I saw a person standing there
All I had to offer him
Was bottled water and a prayer
I stopped to pick a flower
When it suddenly occurred to me
Its beauty would soon be lost
If not left for all to see
I stopped to make a phone call
Just to say hello
Only to be reminded
You left this earth long time ago
I stopped to watch a sunset
As I sat atop a bale of hay
The mingling of colors red, orange and blue
Erased my worries of the day
I stopped just one last time
Before calling it a night
To thank You for my life
Trusting all will turn out right
I'll stop first thing again tomorrow
As I do each and every day
To thank You once again
As I ask You to guide my way
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Just One Simple Thought...
Just one simple thought
Can alter the way
You look at your life
Each and every day
Just one simple thought
Can bring about change
To a life you once thought
You could not rearrange
Just one simple thought
Though hard to believe it's true
There's purpose for your life
Things you were sent here to do
Just one simple thought
To believe is your choice
Your life is your song
So lift up your voice
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Let It Go...
Let it go
That weight you bear
A heavy heart
You're not meant to wear
Let it go
That worry you hide
There's only so much
You can hold inside
Let it go
That negative self-talk
Remember your faith
Now walk the walk
Let it go
That which you fear
Feel the love that is God
Holding you near
Let it go
The resistance, the fight
Open your heart
Let in the light
Let it go
All the heartache you're feeling
Time on earth is so short
Allow yourself time for healing
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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I'm Giving up the Ghosts...
I'm giving up the ghosts
The hauntings from my past
The pains from lessons learned
Were never meant to last
I'm giving up the ghosts
That have held me down so long
The chains of bondage cut
It's time my life goes on
I'm giving up the ghosts
It's time to set them free
There's no room in my life anymore
This I've finally come to see
I'm giving up the ghosts
Though I'm sure they'll seek me out
At times rearing their ugly heads
In negativity and doubt
I'm giving up the ghosts
I'll take it one day at a time
I only have one life to live
It's time to make this one mine
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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Have I...
Have I made a difference
During my time here on earth
Have I learned from the lessons
What I set out to at birth
Have I touched unknowingly
The hearts of others
Mothers, fathers
Sons and daughters
Have I shown kindness to animals
To all God has created
Have I chosen to act
When others have waited
Have I lived with integrity
Has my word remained true
Have you seen love in my eyes
As I looked upon you
Have I accepted responsibility
For mistakes that I've made
Have I asked for forgiveness
Without too much delay
Have I loved from my heart
Like I knew I should
Have I inflicted less sorrow
Then I have sewn good
Have I watched in amazement
A shooting star in the sky
Did I speak truth more often
Then I ever did a lie
Have I touched with gentleness
Has my smile been bright
Have I given my best
Have I fought a good fight
Have I given to others
Everything I could give
Have I honored completely
This life that I live
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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The Outcast...
The outcast sits
On the sidelines alone
Feeling empty
Feeling unknown
The outcast waits
With hope in heart fading
Tiring from longing
Tiring from waiting
The outcast feels deeply
Pain and despair
Yet so often will act
As if they simply don't care
The outcast will tell you
"It just doesn't matter"
"It's just as it should be"
They'll hide their sadness with laughter
The outcast is stronger
Then one might imagine
They exist in a world
Most cannot fathom
The outcast is someone
If only you knew
The love and compassion
They long to offer you
By: T.J. Christoff ©
My Patchwork Heart: Vol. 3
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