By Shanda Kruse
As a teen the evening mist and spring jasmine belonged to me
I was the cat in mid-air, the rogue catching daggers with flair
Danger came in many guises and trust was a jewel I stored in a safe
My honor and duty to myself
Love ripened my heart like a summer peach, kind words and touches a new sunlight
I offered devotion and honor, warm smiles and arms to rest in
but fruit unconsumed spoils, falls and withers to mulch
Whose duty is to feed others
Fall arrived and leaves fell, opening up the sky
Revealing naked truth and fleeing birds
My heart spied you from afar and rebelled the dying season
Joy is added to duty and honor
And I find roots and the pomp of adulthood unhindering
As I move to lay my offering at your feet
My service and love to you
That our hearts may never freeze
