The Lord’s Gem
​ Jasmine A. Walden

She woke up numb in the devil’s basement
He toyed with her limbs and swore to claim her heart and soul
He put coils in her head and fish hooks in her mouth
Time became a question as she lay inert and wept alone in a sea of tubes and drains

Voices called after her
Hearts bled, and spirits resonated
Knees were planted, and hands hovered over her body
A holy presence appeared in the mist
This presence saw her as a gleaming gem on a bare dirt road
She began to regain her strength
Her essence was restored

He led her back to her fruits
Replaced the plastic beads on her face with pearls
Resilience swam in her irises
Her life is abundant