Balm

Tests make us what we are...

Balm

 

It would be grand if we

could pick and choose

the very things that please us most

that each endeavor we embrace

would never slap our face

in rude surprise

for are we not an honor when

we vie and tilt our lustrous lance

at one challenge

or the next?

 

For we all see our lives ahead

in a warm and fuzzy light

where all is good and works out right

when every piece falls into place

by

God’s good grace

we never think to fear the worst

that’s just not how

‘twas meant to be

when we rehearsed

it in our heads

 

How blessed we’d be (and wonderfully)

if all who are unsavory

never crossed our path

whose bitter bile ne’er spewed

upon our gleaming soul

or crapped upon

our wonderment -

whose hearts are cold

and cannot stand

warm, youthful, kind,

exuberance

 

How could ill will

e’er good one’s character imbue

when we possess abundantly

enough to rise above

such bitterness -

let all the good and great in us,

like soothing sunlight, drive away

the darkest dolor life may bring -

possess with joy the highest ground

in everything

and treasure best

those lessons learned

 

I don’t know much, but do know this

it isn’t when the sailing’s smooth -

when skies are blue and cloudless be

that we discover who we are

but when we’re tested sore

we prove, to God and us,

our worth and more

there is no thrill of victory

if we don’t vie and persevere

oft wounded sore, but time does heal -

our scars attest to battles won

 

So gather thoughts and memories

be they good or bad

and hold them close -

they all defined what we are now

and like a phoenix

rise from ashes proud

then write it down - proclaim it loud

a balm to aching souls that hear -

a help to those that hurt, like us,

who mend when steeped in healing words

we pour upon our page