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