Work of Hearts

 Happy Birthday, Bright Light Sixteen weeks ago you found your relief From a world that tried to hide your smile. While I try to heal, I'm restless in grief, I haven't sat still in quite awhile. It's hard to process your sudden goodbye, Closure feels stuck between a fairy tale and a lie. Today your birthday has a heavenly theme! I don't have a gift to top that, Just a simple day dream Of you smiling and wearing your favorite hat. You deserve a glorious celebration, With resounding applause and a standing ovation For all you have endured In your family tree. The prayers you spoke were heard, God finally set you free From generational pain At the hands of the insane. Your blood line may be rotten, But you maintained the peace. You'll never be forgotten, You have given so many a piece From your heart and have touched so many lives. We'll meet again when my homecoming arrives. Your soul made life merry and bright! May the next sunrise or shooting star Remind us to ...

Scratched and Scattered Soul I know I bring lovely light With me where I go. Grace always gives me insight, But I wonder if you know-- How I’ve torn off pieces of me To help others feel whole. How I’ve helped them feel free, Keeping my emotions in control. With great affection, I deeply see, feel, and am fully aware I’m depth in a shallow world of disconnection, Running out of pieces of me to share. I need more than a season To keep being the reason Someone lights up when they smile. S. Ambrose, 2022

See Me Whole People overthink before they finish a blink Thinking about how to upgrade so feelings won’t fade The grass isn’t greener on the other side It’s green where the water hits the soul inside Real love slowly grows where comfortable patience goes. It builds by showing up and being there It’s something to work at and through, hand in hand How quickly people are let go, I’ll never understand Everyone rushes to a finish line, plucking fruit off a vine I won’t settle for what doesn’t water my soul Before its ripped season Without a meaningful reason Everyone’s trying to live up to an ideal that doesn’t feel real. I’d rather lie on hot coal than settle in my soul About what creates a real  connection Without looking for  perfection I don’t want to guess or settle for less I want something real that I don’t have to question. When you see my soul, You’ll see me whole S. Ambrose, 2022

I used to attract excuses and self-doubt Because gratitude was scattered about. When my expectations of myself were too high, Love should've been my only reply. Growth silently waited to move ahead, For me to breathe and get out of my head. Trust turned to stone Until I realized I wasn't alone. Love stood patiently by my side, Art became my reliable guide. Peace met me in grief's canyon, Forgiveness held me, a true companion. Wherever you roam,  You are not alone!

Restored Art S. Ambrose Inside me, there’s a blaze that paints with a flame, Bright colors burst when you say my name. A fire wakes the silence of my soul, And turns broken pieces whole. Restoration moves where dust no longer stays, Stitching my heart with threads of new displays. No longer trapped in storage or under dust I rise to reclaim all my pieces of broken trust. No shelf contains hearts strong and free. I’m a masterpiece restored for all to see A portrait of resilience redefined. I’m living art with strength in every line.

Nostalgia When my heart feels heavy as stone, I travel back to a childhood home. You loved me fiercely, steadfast and true, You were in every season I once knew. Homesick, I peek through fields of fireflies, Before fireworks light up twilight skies. You’re my favorite memory, aching to heal, A love so deep, so raw, so real. Autumn’s leaves make me miss you so, While winter’s candles softly glow. Thoughts of sugar cookies and Christmas cheer, Makes me wish that you were near. Springtime hope fights through the frost, Blooming from what winter lost. I love you more than yesterday, Your light will guide me all the way. Through every season where I roam, I miss you deeply; you were my home. Will the world find peace once more? I’m far from home, looking for Heaven’s door Shelly Ambrose  Nostalgia Feelings

More Than a Memory I saw your highlight reel. It made me feel Grateful our souls met Before uncertainty set Obstacles in our flow, Turned highs into a low. Our energy made me feel alive,  Creative confidence started to thrive. Pure love burst out from inside, We felt safe to unburden and confide. I left nothing hidden,  Authenticity wasn't forbidden. As you start to leave,  My heart sits on my sleeve. Did it feel too real That you had to kill Something deep and rare Because life didn't play fair? "I miss you, " is hard to say, Harder to let you go, so I pray. At peace, I make room For planted seeds to bloom. Even if it takes a while,  The next time I see you, I'll smile.  Whatever comes our way With thankfulness-We'll be okay. S. Ambrose Deep, connective, and rare friendships or even relationships that don't make sense to the world yet bring out the best in us don't have to be limited to just one season.