Betrayed

I sought to be true 
true to myself 
and true to the guiding hands 
that affirmed me 
The time has come to bear 
the accusation of betrayal 
to not betray my own soul 
Is this now my test? 
My lesson? 
I hear names hurled at me 
that I once thought belonged 
only to the loathsome 
I hear that I have 
no heart 
no honor 
no shame 
no decency 
no respect 
no faith 
I hear that 
I am not trustworthy 
I am not honest 
I am not considerate 
I am injurious 
I am selfish 
these names 
these accusations 
they ring in my ears 
and sicken my heart 
for I wanted only to uplift 
to heal 
not to hurt 
but I have learned 
that hurt 
can be caused in the name 
of saving pain 
this I have done 
but never again 
I live to grow 
but I am not perfect 
nor do I desire perfection 
I listen 
to the lessons in the wind 
I transform 
the pain of the past to light 
I seek to free my soul 
unite my heart and mind 
For so very long 
I looked outside myself for truth 
but the journey has returned to me 
The child, the warrior 
The nurturer, the sage 
I walk a new path 
Those who wish to stay behind 
and hurl stones of accusation 
I am traveling beyond your reach 
rising above the density 
never to return
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Witt-King Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 3:49 PM
There are always naysayers, Michael. You've portrayed the dilemma ...and the best thing we can do in the face of it... quite elegantly. Congratulations on your well-deserved first place win.
Guzzi Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 1:55 PM
The last five lines make the journey! Light & Love & congrads!
Dietrich Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 3:19 PM
Congratulations on your big win, michael. I love that line "rising above the density never to return!" Luv, andrea
Butler Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Congrats on the well deserved win! -Mike
Brown Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 7:04 AM
Congratulations on your win in Starflixer's Betrayal contest Michael. Love, Carol
Hickman Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Congratulations on winning your words delivered the betral and pain along with agony,that was dealt,,beautifully written and talently constructed,,,Blessings..Cecil
A  Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 7:33 PM
VERY awesome I loved this poem NO wonder it is a winner...
Foster Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 4:47 PM
Congratulations on your success with this emotional poem. well written Micheal....Margaret
La France Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Congratulations on first place in the contest... with this wonderful poem.. Constance
Haick Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 12:21 PM
My congratulations, Michael on this very, very well-deserved Ist place win in Adelana's "Betrayal" Contest! Fantastic work. Peace, Audrey
Richards Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 12:14 PM
With a Big Congratulations to this 1st place winner!! Great work!! :)
Sweetheart Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Congrats Michael on your 1st place win in the Betrayal contest.. a wonderful write .. a well deserved win.. from a wonderfully gifted poet... enjoy this victory...luv.. Linda-Marie "Sweetheart" of Poetry Soup
Devonshire Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Congratulations on your first-place win! Enjoy your success. Love, Carolyn
Adelana Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Many congratulations Micheal. Lovely poem foiling the real potent where bbetrayal lies. Thanks for sharing once again. Soup mail me immediately for the price. Light& love stars.
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