Just a Picture on the Wall Paula Day Johns


Reflecting on a picture of my grandmother

I realized someday I will be a picture on the wall;

Great -great grandfathers and great-great grandmothers

Whom I really never knew at all.



Their blood still flows through my veins

Their prayers for me still simmer before Yahweh;

Just a picture on the wall I will be someday

An unknown, strange, disconnected highway.



The best I can do at this point in time

Is to send my prayers and have no regrets;

Just a picture on the wall I will be someday

 My father leans and sees what my prayer pot begets.



Prayers spent in pain and tears will never dry

They live and breathe and stand

Just a picture on the wall I will be someday

Looking over the pots’ rim to see how grand.



How many prayers went to earth answered

How many prayed and still simmer;

Just a picture on the wall I will be someday

 Look into my prayer pot and catch a glimmer.



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