Borrowed Breath

Deep in my soul lies a dormant song,
Stifled and pent-up for too long,
     Sweet, celestial notes
     Get caught up in my throat
And always seem to come out wrong.

You’ve given us songs yet unsung,
Anthems for your daughters and sons,
     Rising within our hearts
     Before the music starts,
Snatching the breath out of our lungs.

I cannot speak, let alone sing
To form in song the joy you bring,
     And yet I’ll raise my voice
     And make a joyful noise,
Broken praises, my offering.