“The Heart of the Hunchback”

He lives in the upper recesses
of a place with a well-known name,
a timid recluse full of abuse—
like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Here, are no stained glass windows
though there are some window panes;
no grand tower that tells the hour
like the bells of Notre Dame.

Neither is there a masonry steeple
with a cross that faith proclaims;
still, deep within that Hunchback`s heart,
a smoldering wick remains.

Again, there are no rainbow colors
unlike those panes of Notre Dame,
but through those open windows
there`s hope to fan that wick to flame.

And of those bells in Ol` Paris—
a beautiful refrain—
echoing, far and wide
in sunshine and in rain.

Yet, unlike there, here in this place
there is silence all the same
as day by day slowly passes
in sunshine and in rain.

So you see, the Hunchback he
though alone in solitude,
fights internal battles,
slowly growing in fortitude.

And if you catch a glimpse
of this one who lives apart,
don`t pass judgment by what you see
for God looks at the heart.

A.B.Adams
September 9, 2023
Saturday

“Lonely, But Not Alone”

Like a sparrow on the rooftop
in the summer`s setting sun,
I sit alone in solitude
as the day is nearly done.

Now, this songbird`s song is quiet
as he bids the day farewell;
what tomorrow holds, God only knows
and so, therefore time will tell.

There are many people in this world, 
among us and all around
who are forlorn and lonely,
who suffer without a sound.

Yet, they somehow seem to smile
like a mask at Halloween
as they hide, what`s deep inside,
refusing to be seen.

But, you see with Jesus, 
He is our faithful friend
for by our side He`ll abide
until life`s appointed end.

For there are friends, who pretend
to be a friend indeed
but when all is said and all is done
they`ll leave your heart to bleed.

So, if the fact`s you`re lonely
and feel you have no home;
remember He is with you—
although you`re lonely, you`re not alone.

These words they may seem simple
and you may wonder if they`re true;
Well then, ask Jesus to reveal Himself
for He`ll prove Himself to you !

A.B.Adams
October 15, 2023
Sunday

“Heaven`s Heart”

Lonely leaf, 
orange and red,
slowly dying
but not yet dead.

Carried along
on emerald lake
by unseen currents
with no wave or wake.

As gentle tears
fall from up above,
empathetic
signs of love.

All around
the sun indicates
heaven`s glory
sparkling on the lake.

And what do you know ?
The tormented sky
that sheds its tears
does sympathize

and like a mirror
the lake feels it, too—
the sentiments
of heaven`s drops of dew.

And of that leaf
for which lake and sky doth mourn
where it once grew
new buds are born.

So, as I paint
with words, this art
I`m reminded
of Heaven`s Heart.

A.B.Adams
September 2, 2023
Saturday