Blank Slate

Times were hard – that is what they said When they told me about their early years - before I was there, their son Filled with the hunger of youth, the lust For life, passion – the truth Times were not easy – and I could tell Life had been a journey Through fears, tears and years Between rocks and hard places, through Darkness and dread, doubts That left them with questions And uncertainty that bled through the Joy that longed to give them hope Wipe the slate clean, so they might see What love reveals when it stills The beating of heart who is living With a past that is so unforgiving Times were hard – and their souls bled From the wounds they’d acquired Damage that couldn’t be settled With bandages or dressings that might Seem like the thing to do When pain erases all the good Times were hard – but they never let go The blessings that comforted, the ones That soothed and uplifted, Blessings of love that came from believing Despite the worries that erases hope Despite the struggles that bring mistrust Despite all the differences that came along To destroy their faith, their joy, their peace They found a way to believe in their hearts That His love would see them through Cleaning the slate so that they could find The beautiful secreted Beneath the darkest of nights Times might have been hard, but they knew With love, they could travel This world with one assurance – Light and love comes alive inside those Who know that the struggle Is actually a blessing in disguise Because when He decides to erase the pain, Hearts have so much to gain – As He wipes away the past, there is a promise That, with time – these will only become Memories of hard times, memories That assure hearts – they can survive They have what it takes to face their hurt And, despite the damage, venture Into the future with assurance that, With love – anything is possible, And everything, surely, will be made good again He cleans the slate every morning When we wake to the new dawn Lift our eyes to the fresh thoughts Delight in the beauty of our hopes He is love and as long as we live, we know His love is the truth that reassures In spite of hard times, there is so much good! This or That, Vol 16 Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh Title Chosen: Blank Slate February 7, 2023