As sun beams warming hope,
exquisite detail, colour bright
the shadows cast lurk ominous,
dark defined by light.
So love wraps close and tender,
intimate with grace;
yet looming grey of future loss
invades, demanding space.
Surround me, sun and shadow
Enfold me, love and loss
Take me to that peace-filled place
that lovely, lonely sacred space
where joy meets grief
to mix and merge
to twirl and dance,
and darkness purge.
Secure in Christ's embrace.

Geoff Bateman