From a long way off
Father saw me
even before I saw Him

I was rehearsing
my story in shame,
head down as shuffled home

He ran to me
wrapped His arms around me
in His bear hug embrace

The sorrow in His eyes
when I walked away
all those days ago – now gone

He gave no room
for my shame laced speech
I spent days preparing

Love gives no space
to shame, and covers
all the story in redemption

When the lost is found
Father’s eyes twinkle
melting away all the pain

Resting, broken by
His Father’s love
restored and recovered

All in returning home
to find Father’s love
never changed

Brian Bucks
2021