PROVEN FRIEND

I smell danger. Hear it too. Though it’s nothing I can see, I’m already conjuring up all it could be, every one giving reasons to flee this exposed place. My natural instinct is to jump to conclusions. But you’re right here, whispering in my ear to stand and yield my sight for your view. Day after day it’s been me and you, grazing this field. But your wings give rise to your eyes for interpreting the true scope of things. Your perspective informs my decision to bound, feed, or bed the alarms that numb these legs. This deer-in-the-headlights look is a sign —the amount of time it takes for me to decide whether you revealed or lied about what’s around the bend of my senses. Your stare, that silent “trust me” glare, makes me aware that your being right costs you more than me. You have always been my stay, my proven friend. (Psalm 18:16-19; 2 Corinthians 5:7)

24” x 20” mixed media painting