For my Father, and any others suffering from guilt, shame, or regret for past actions in a struggle to accept forgiveness, or forgive themselves.
You’ve struggled long enough.
And even if you think you must keep it up,
you’ll never have pennance to pay
for your lack of grace.
For the Grace was never yours
to give.
We all fall, and somehow we remember
heaven written on our hearts.
Will you cut it out,
tired of the constant beating?
Or will you let your heart
be the drum of triumph
to the tempo of truth
that frees you
and all you touch?
Set down your whip
and let the blisters formed
by your flogging heal.
Wash your blood from the straps
and bury your drive to suffer and die
in the dirt.
The Monster has been dead a long time
and you don’t have to keep his memory alive
by feeding it pieces of your soul anymore.
Call yourself back, for it is safe now
to give your song.
It’s time to restore the rhythm of your heart
echoing the holy pattern of a greater love.
And oh, when you release the shame
that snuffs the flame,
how your light will shine,
glimmering in time.
Don’t be afraid, for this was always
what The Divine had in mind.
And the people say,
“Come on, Drummer Man,
take me to the Promise Land.
For I wandered so long in shadows
I forgot the sun,
and I need someone to guide my way.”
And on that day, all your pain makes sense,
when you see the path cut behind you
and others stumble into view
thankful to see
a shimmer of hope ahead.
Copyright © S. Naify, 2022
Creature Speak 