Murray Dunlap’s most recent poem to appear here was “Peace” (July 2017)

Family Promise
By Murray Dunlap

In a blinding fog
I arrive at family promise
My legs are sore from all my running around
My eyes, seeing double, prepare dinner
For the children without home
Or love

My fog clears as I watch them eat
The promise to give them hope
Kept
My legs regain strength
My heart offers compassion
And love

The time spent with homeless children
The eyes looking to you in pain
The beating hearts of children, lost
Measured beats of love
Between spoonfuls of life

I leave family promise
Tired and worn down, but grateful for my life
I am awakened to the need for love
A family promise away
The temptation to dismiss, heavy
The need seen, unmistakable
The feeling: promise
I care