Dust

by Cheryl Merrick

Like dust drifting down

Slowly obliterating precious petroglyphs,

My life was slowly being suffocated by

Sad memories, and the anger of frustration

 and unfulfilled expectations.

Seeking help. I prayed.

The wind of forgiveness came,

and I let the dust go.

Beyond My Strength

by Cheryl Merrick

Like David of old,

I diligently study, and practice my skills.

When the moment comes 

for me to face my own giants,

I stand fast in the knowledge 

that though it is beyond my strength,

it is not beyond His.

Specters

by Cheryl Merrick

Alone in my dusky room,
beaten down by the whisperings
of specters from the past,
I sink lower and lower into the cushions of my chair.
"You made the wrong decision."
"You did the wrong thing."
"You are incompetent."
"You are a selfish, bad person."

Like a blanket guilt, shame, and depression
begin to smother me,