by Paige Peterson

Peanut butter sandwich 
Honeycrisp apple 
Original Lay’s potato chips 
Dry hands reach for the sack 
An empty heart reaches for hope 

Disheveled overgrown hair covers his ears 
Dark circles swallow his eyes 
Holes enwrap his mismatched clothes
He hides the bag of white powder in his pocket 

Loneliness covers his words
Despair etched on his face
Shame weighs down his shoulders 
Fear entangles his thoughts  

You lay your hand on him
Head is bowed
Hands are clasped 
Eye are closed 

“May the Lord bless you 
and protect you. 
May the Lord smile on you 
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor 
and give you his peace” (NLT Numbers 6:24-25)

His words convey love 
His face molds a smile 
His shoulders light 
His thoughts clear

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Paige Peterson is a student at Point Loma Nazarene University. She plans to get a degree in environmental studies with a concentration in design and hopes to find a job in food sustainability. Paige is from Colorado. Her passions include cooking, traveling, and running.