'Sanctuary' Poem by NiQi Deveaux

Dear surrogate of my soul's sanctuary
The peace I find in your embrace
You've a mask of smiles that I can wear
Upon this pitiful face

Scarred with salty ravines from weeping tears
So lamented and long ago cried
That streaked my face each morning
That some winds of change have dried

Let me look upon your ancient soul
So I don't have to look at mine
I've grown weary from the carnage here
I've been stewing in the brine

My flesh is tender, my insides wrought
With a deep and searing pain
From the sun's hot fire that cast on me
Need to hear your dear refrain.

That all's not lost, though inside I know
It's advice I've given before
To other lost souls, like mine is now
Just my wounds are open and so sore


N. S. D.