circle of light

amidst the darkness your glow illuminates the land

roaming the world at your own beat

a mere reflection that you claim for your own

day or night never afraid to leave

whether obscuring the light of the sun

or the same away from you

you capture the awe from the young and old

whether red, brown, white, or blue

waxing, waning, first, last, full, or new

your ever presence rules our tides

spring or neap, strong or weak

following your moves we must abide

so stay where you are

in your ever-changing place

watched from here

is your ever-changing face

© 2008 Bernice Burks

april 25, 1998

ten years today i declared 'I DO'
solidifying i belonged to you

vowed to love, comfort, honor, and keep
the embodiment of your love in my soul deep

for richer or poorer, in sickness or health
your love the most valuable nature of wealth

through better or worse, sadness or joy
we were blessed with the birth of our boy

promised to honor and to cherish
a precious bond no need to embellish

although our life has not been what we've expected
my love for you has never deflected

through our trials and time apart
you are ever present in my heart

mutual prayer guides our way
through our destined path each and every day

most of all we must remember
keeping God first we will never surrender

this declaration comes from within
to my first love, my darling Ben

© 2008 Bernice Burks

rock of my gibraltar

In honor of National Poetry Month


Rock of My Gibraltar
April 4, 2008

you say that you don't know me
it is 'cause i constantly change
i am a deciduous tree
high on a mountain range

through strong winds forever blowing
swaying from side to side
what i feel for you
it is something i can never hide

as solid as your limestone
your foundation is strong
i stand before you
this is where i belong

without your support
i can't do all that i do
deep in your heart
you must know I love you

there are many times
i may seem bizarre
it is who i am
but you are the rock of my gibraltar


@2008 Bernice Burks