On Growth

In the lone, wide stretch of Texas plains,

Where coyotes cry and sorrow reigns,

A young child wandered, small and frail,

With eyes wide open, soft and pale.

Born to dust and stubborn pride,

Where ranches sprawled and spirits died,

He wore the ache like boots, worn thin—

Fear hid deep, etched into skin.

Through nights as dark as pitch-black coal,

He whispered prayers no one would hold.

Loneliness, his shadowed friend,

Followed him down each twisted bend.

In youth he learned of loss and blame,

The bitter taste of love in shame.

But Texas skies, so big and bold,

Held space for dreams he’d yet to hold.

As years rolled on, his back grew strong,

Through storms and dust, he learned his song.

Pain was the spur, but love the steer,

Guiding him past what he’d once feared.

In his heart, he kept a spark,

A flicker bright in endless dark.

Though sorrow carved him, hollowed deep,

It left a well where love could seep.

And when he came to the edge at last,

The Texas winds that swept his past,

Brought forth a man from broken clay,

Who’d found the strength to walk away.

Now, courage blooms like Texas sage,

Beneath the sky of endless age.

Forgiveness softens roughened scars,

Like distant lights of silent stars.

From frightened child to man of might,

He forged his path through darkest night.

And on that road, alone no more,

He found the peace he'd searched for.