Broken Sculpture

I'm not sure why I'm standing here,
I'm blinded by deceit.
I never know what's happening,
it's a complicated defeat.

Fears of unknown circumstances
circle the pedestal upon which I stand,
propped up like a statue
based on everyone else's plans.

I can't step down the crumbling stairs - 
it's that fear of failing again.
It clings to me like leaves to a tree,
loosening grip every now and then.

I revel in those moments
where I'm free from clanging chains.
My heart starts beating again,
and warmth runs through my veins.

But then I become cold and fearful,
a statue I once again become.
The plaster pushes from all sides
and I'm frozen in place by what I'm running from.

My throbbing heart now stands still,
as if beating might make me break.
I pray to be noticed by a Sculptor
who will discover my own mistake.

He'll take the raindrop tears that fall,
and mix them with love and grace,
place them in the hairline cracks
and wrap me in His embrace.

He'll soften my rough exterior,
and mold me in His hands.
I'll stop my hurtful struggling
and surrender to His plans.

Allowing myself to step forward,
I make way down the crumbling stairs.
I stumbled and I fell,
and uttered hopeful prayers.

My Sculptor reached down,
and set me on my feet.
And then I realized with Him by my side,
there is no such thing as grim defeat.

(June 24, 2007)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2007

Poem

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artlyy Avatar
September 21, 2026 at 8:40 AM
I've really been enjoying your poem and the emotions and imagery were so vivid that i could easily picture them as beautiful illustration. I'm a commission-based manga/webtoon artist, and I'd love to help bring your story to life if you're ever interested. Feel free to reach out at gm@il : akiracomicart2@ or on inst@ akiraa_artly
Agustin Avatar
February 3, 2026 at 7:52 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
A   Avatar
March 10, 2016 at 2:26 AM
Jessica, Enjoyed the way you expressed every line. Please keep writing, hope to see a new one from you again. LOVE LINDA
A  Avatar
July 5, 2015 at 1:51 AM
:) Wonderful poem, I enjoyed dropping by. Love SKAT
Shimmy Yeah Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 11:34 AM
This is really, really beautiful.
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