Softer Than Air 

Eight hours now without a break,
don't they know that her feet ache.
 
 Running late to pick up the kids,
 their Dads is in jail for selling lids.
 
 I love you the words were softer than air,
Startled she turns but no one is there.
 
 Sneak past the landlord one time again,
 delaying her rent until the weekend.
 
 Need to make dinner but the cupboard is bare,
 praying to someone that just doesn't care.
 
 I love you the words just like before,
 where are they from they cut to the core.
 
 Kissing her two as if it's the last,
 Says goodnight and turns on the gas.
 
 A knock on the door is he after the rent,
 She is so tired of this life's descent.
 
 Reluctant, she peeps through the whole in the door,
 two strangers that she has not seen before.
 
 We're from the church that's just down the street,
 we brought you some groceries we hoped you will eat.
 
 Run back to the kitchen and turn back the knob,
 fanning the room now beginning to sob.
 
 Back to the door now opening it slow,
 only the groceries guess they had to go.
 
 I love you the words were softer than air,
 Again she looks back but no one is there.
 
 Putting up groceries, a weeks worth at least,
 a note in the bottom signed by the priest.
 
 We'd welcome your visit, we're here everyday,
 And bring the girls we've much they can play.
 
 Too tired now to take it all inside,
 slumps down in a chair where sleep will reside.
 
 Up with the dawn, and girls ready for school,
 and back to the same it all seems so cruel.
 
 But later their home again food now at least,
 and there is that card again signed by the priest.
 
 I love you the words again softer than air,
 familiar now she sends up one last prayer.
 
 Bundling the girls she's got to find out,
 off to the church that seems to call out.
 
 Desperate and tired she opens the door,
 several are praying with knees to the floor.
 
 Up walks the ladies that brought them the food,
 smiles framed with tears such a sweet mood.
 
 I talked to my husband about you one says,
 to lower your rent the landlord he is.
 
 So weak and so stirred she bends to her knees,
 And up walks the priest asking Dear please.
 
 Her heart filled with love she cannot contain,
 I accept Him today with all of my stain.
 
 I love you the words softer than air,
 knowing Him now it was love that was there. 
 
By Preston Pittman