My Heart is the Canvas

My Heart is the Canvas

I will always be able to paint the picture even if my memory fades.

You were the Da Vinci painting on the canvas of my heart your very own Mona Lisa – and to see you again, my soul waits.

You wouldn’t want me to cry, tears only would blemish this beautiful creation.

Through careful observation, I realized it was a picture filled with memories.

Memories of my uncle, such a dear friend.

Someone who was so proud of me, from beginning to end.

I will never forget him saying “Brit, I look at your picture every day on the wall.”

Who would’ve thought it was that same third grade picture of me with big teeth,

twists in my hair and glasses big enough to look into anyone’s soul.  

I should have got you a new picture – the one with a new smile and this confidence that holds stories untold.  

There’s nothing like a memory, those that you keep in your heart.

From talking about metal recycling to remembering you picking me up in your arms, when I was only “knee high to a grasshopper”

You loved me then, you love me still.

So this picture I paint of you,

I know in the painting there is a cradle and a grave.

Because as living humans, that scene is in everyone’s art gallery.

Even though, you are on the grave part…

The beautiful memories in between that shape your painting only,

Is what I will forever keep in my heart. 

Dedicated to: Shedrick Willie Knox, Jr. 1972-2015

Until We Meet Again...

Until We Meet Again...

Dedicated to - A young girl named Belle, who lost the battle against cancer. I never met her face to face but I feel as though I know her spirit. She was related to a great mentor in my life and my mentor started an email blast to update Belle's prayer warriors about her condition. I wrote this when I found out Belle had been called home to get her angel wings. 

My eyes are only the telescope peeking in on the big screen production of your life,

you may think how can she learn anything simply from the gentle email Belle’s aunt took time to write.

My life has been forever changed by someone I’ve never met -

she’s made me think twice before dwelling on life’s complaints and yesterday’s regrets.

She fought sickness with such spunk, with a smile that could beat cancer itself

and tells jokes that brought joy that could make your heart just melt.

Through it all, surgeries and even despite the loss of her hearing,

she continued to hear God and stay in that fighter mode -

teaching those even multiples of her age

lessons far wiser than she’ll ever know.

Any loss may bring tears,

but peace comes when we think about where angels go.

We can still hear her laugh and see that smile,

as she is probably playing with her halo.

What a blessing to be taught courage & the power of prayer,

something we all needed to learn.

From an angel God let us borrow,

who he has now called to return.

With us still here on Earth, we keep alive sweet Belle’s story -

which teaches far more than any of us may ever comprehend.

But, I do know this…

Though I have never seen you with my eyes,

I’ve seen your spirit so I say rest in peace my sweet friend.

I’ll introduce myself when the time comes,

so save me a pair of angel wings for until we meet again.

- Brittney Knox