Love in Six Words
By Charles Arthur Patiño

She said Hi. I said Heeello.
She walked in. I never left.
Love at first sight?  Sure was.
Saw her smile. All she wrote.
Flash back.  First love.  Third grade.
Asked for a dance.  Still dancing.
Went to Ash Wednesday.  Held hands.
I said a prayer.  He answered.
She was walking by.  I turned.
Blind date.  Hope it never stops.
Lost.  She showed me the way.
Lonely.  Now life is always joyful.
Dark cloud.  She is the lining.
Yea, today’s the day.  Getting  married.

Jesus, on Your Cross
By Mary Olivia Patiño

Your head, throbbing with pain,
Pressure of bearing
Our human cancer,
Is gently lifted by the angels,
As your saddened eyes behold
The truth within each pilgrim,
Who comes to you
Seeking wholeness that you alone bestow.

Silence.  Soft motion.
My parched soul sees that you are not alone,
For the saints before you stay.
Faithful, watchful,
Listening to all the pilgrims,
Holding up their prayers,
A votive offering to you.

Weary travelers quietly invoke,
The Father, the Son, The Holy Spirit
And our Blessed Mother, too.

They kneel, they stand, and walk about,
Lighting white candles,
Seeking consolation,
While I sit in tearful stillness. 
As my spirit quietly exclaims,
“Lord, have pity!”
Then, “Praise be your Holy Name!”