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p>Judge’s comments: Careful treatment of the biblical concept of father.

Meadows of Mercy, Rest of my mind,
alleys of anguish are all I can find.
Giddy with sadness I sway,
yet pray.

Because of you fathers feel,
shining smiles, spreading arms as they kneel.
This they lavish, and more,
for a few wobbled steps across kitchen floor.
Fathers are kind for you live,
and give.

Mornings drop newness like you:
quiet promises gleaming with dew.
Free for the taking they bless
night-watchers despairing of rest.
Sunrises see dark but birth new,
like you.

Father, Morning, Love’s newness, I plea:
Remove this dark anguish enveloping me;
Lest I despair of my cry,
and die.