public domain

Kenosis

for Kelly
Philippians 2:5–11

There is an empty cup once full
poured out into the living hearts
of those you served. If you heard
this said of you, your face would flush
from neck to ears (you know it’s true)
accompanied by an “aw-shucks” grin.

The good die young and old and in between
and all too soon, it seems. And a life
heaven-bound fails to mitigate
grief and pain: tears can wash but not
erase, never erase. Deny the pain
denies the life, denies the love.

A well-lived life deserves to be well-mourned.
The deeper the love, the deeper the scar that binds
the broken heart. And as grief pours down
to re-baptize the wounded lives, an empty
cup once full remains to store the tears.

In honor of Kelly Boston, Ennis ISD School Teacher #lovelikeboston