Liberia

of dust and green lush 

tears chasing down ebony skin 

some tears of sweat, some tears of heartache 

they fall on thick, dusty soil that burns red and orange

burns with heat, too 

my soul thirsts and then, the thirst is quenched

 all at once

thirsty, because she pulls on my hand with frail fingers and hollow eyes

"mama?"

she whispers, her voice filled more with plea and less with question 

"no." i choke back. "not your mama." 

but i pull her closer 

thirst is quenched because of joy & hope & Jesus

all at once 

joy dances in the tears of sweat and of pain 

it dances on the red streets 

hope is written in her eyes, deeper than sorrow

inked in her skin 

it is always there -- hope