Sacrifice

by Cheryl Merrick
Giving up something of lesser value
for something of greater value
is an expression of great wisdom
and ofttimes the offering 
of a loving heart.

Giving up something of greater value
for something of lesser value
is an exercise in stupidity 
which myopically reflects 
a self-absorbed life.

The Higher Road

by Cheryl Merrick
I stand at the fork in the road,
  as I have many times before.
Hesitating, 
  I gaze at my well trod path
  of sacrificing my life for others.
Once it seemed so noble.
Day after day I pushed myself,
  supposedly making others happy,
  till, reaching my end,
  I collapsed in bed,
  unable to move.

Wings

by Cheryl Merrick

Finding wings a hindrance
for life on the ground,
I give them up
to live with him.

Clumsily, I hobble over to the window.
I look up, pining, into the sky
longing to soar with grace again.

He comes,
presenting me tenderly
with a large white box --  
my wings!


*husband freeing me of details so I can study and write

Weaving

by Cheryl Merrick

Threads of love

His strains- strong, supportive, protective

Hers strains - concerned and nurturing

Each service of caring,

Each sacrifice of time or comfort,

Filling in the empty space, thread by strong thread

Giving meaning to their lives and

weaving their Tapestry of Love