Joice Fairchild

Golden, CO, USA

A dynamic and sensitive poet and storyteller, Joice Fairchild has received numerous awards for outstanding achievement sin poetry. Two of her poems were chosen as The National Library of Poetry's best loved poems. At the 1995 convention of The International Society of Poets, she was selected by writer form around the world to receive the Poet's Choice award. A collection of her poetry, co-authored with Judy Lamb, Sisters Without Color, A Celebration of Love (hardover, 96 pages, ISBN 1-56167-336-6, LC 96-0070926, $14.95) is available at local book stores or direct form the publisher, Noble House. email: amerlit@erols.com. To reach Joice by email: joicef@juno.com.

I

When I was child
almost blind, beaten
told that I was ugly
and unworthy of love
My unconquered spirit
lived in silence
masked emotions
yet rusted life
I hid inside
a shell of dreams where
flowers grew in concrete
and imagination flourished
There I learned
that each fo us is more
than bone and flesh
blood and mind
For pulsing with the heat
the rhythm of the soul
uniquely dances
to a living tune
I am special
and so are you
alive with feeling
deserving of love

House

My son called the other day
Saying now that he has grown
And has responsibility
For a family of his own,
He hoped that as a parent
He could do the job I did
Providing the security
That he felt as a kid.
I asked, "What security?
You never had a home."
Years while looking for myself,
I forced my kids to roam.
He said, "I was never homeless.
I had the stars above.
You put your arms around me
And built a house of love.
A home, more than walls,
Is showing that you care.
In the end, no matter what,
I knew you'd be there."
I thanking my son for calling
And quickly said good bye.
Too much understanding
Can make a mother cry.