The loss was overwhelming
It left me beyond sad, past hurt
My very being was shattered
In a way that left me feeling I had left me.

The years of keeping in the pain
The endless time spent wondering
Why was I chosen to have this happen
What was it about me which earned the experience?

As time went on, the pain did not lessen
Although it did fade and withdraw into a dark recess
A place so far inside that I wasn't even sure it was still there
It was, though...and it would erupt from time to time.

Sometimes, I could cry about it
Rarely, I talked about it with a lover or a friend
Mostly I pretended it was gone
Or lashed out at whoever was handy when I had too much to drink

Is it really annealing, this life where pain goes hand-in-hand with breath?
At least 'annealing' can be thought of as pain experienced
Which will yield strength and durability
So it's a hopeful way to view the pain...

Now, as Love speaks softly to me
The hope of annealing is more than hope
It is real, it is true, and it is glorious
For Love knows the way.

12/22/2007

Posted on 02/19/2008
Copyright © 2024 Rick Hamrick