A Hand in the Dark

2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 16 Contest //Sponsored by: Mark Toney
Contest Judged:  9/18/2025 6:26:00 PM
( 7th Place )

Written: September 12, 2025


She walked through nights no one noticed
feet heavy, heart heavier.
The silence of the world felt overwhelming.
as if kindness had disappeared.

Then, without warning
someone reached for her...
steady, warm, unexpected.
The road behind her remained,
but she could finally move forward.

For nights she had slipped alone
masking grief with pale smiles
hiding pieces of herself -
that no stranger would ever see.

Her legs ached,
her body protested
and still she whispered:
"this journey is mine alone."

She found a quiet strength,
somewhere along the way.
As she moved forward,
she held one quiet truth:
even when the night is long,
even in the darkest times...
kindness finds its path.

A simple act of care can break through 
the darkness,
and the light of a new day comes,
no matter how long the night.

When she finally stops,
she lifts her face to the sun
and carries one truth:
between falling and standing,
she found him...
and the light he gave her
will walk with her forever.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
October 1, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Dear Rowena, congratulations for your continued success in Mark's contest with your exquisite poem that has the power to inspire and uplift the spirit through the grace of your verse. Indeed "kindness finds its path", as does faith. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Dietrich Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Very inspirational, Rowena. Congrats
Velasco Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Thank you.
Toney Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Rowena, powerful inspiration! Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 16 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 17 has already started.
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to have made the top 10 on Mile 16—it truly means a lot. I’ll keep my running shoes on and give Mile 17 my best stride!
George Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 8:57 PM
"A simple act of care can break through the darkness, and the light of a new day comes, no matter how long the night." This poem is so uplifting. Acts of kindness, how they brighten a life. To a resilient spirit, a light waits at the end of the tunnel, however hazardous the journey be through it. Congratulations on your great win in the Marathon.
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
how uplifting and inspirational, Rowena. You captured the depth of her loneliness, one she carried alone until a kind hand emerged. powerful!
Velasco Avatar
September 12, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Thank you so much! Your words truly warm my heart.
Leake Avatar
September 12, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Enjoyed this poetry Wonderfully written Kevin
Velasco Avatar
September 12, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Thanks Kevin.
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