Well, i found this draft hiding among my documents when I was cleaning out my hard drive today. I might as well post it…

Duties of the Ward

Copyright © 2006

The duties of the ward
rest upon my soul
like a ponderous mountain.
Under that great weight,
I sigh and groan
like some old, discarded squeaky toy
repeatedly stepped upon
by errant, well-worn soles.
Each time the pressure eases,
I spring back that much more slowly,
fraying at the edges,
fading into the dust.

But you! Ah, T____,
You take up the call,
as a wise queen dons a royal mantle;
shouldering the grave responsibility
with the respect it demands;
your head held high,
dark eyes — framed by autumn hair –
unfalteringly seeking truth,
so the sharp mind behind them,
may shepherd those in your care
to the path of recovery.

At every step,
caring, competence, and confidence
project from your presence;
casting a spell,
marshaling us like generals
to lend you and yours
whatever small aid
is in our power.