Misgivings

Words often used to chide a child Grew deep within his soul Where, as their taste was never mild, They took a hefty toll. They never meant or mattered much To those who caused him pain, Yet, full of scorn, they swiftly touched And made him grieve in vain. From those few words grew up in him Misgivings harsh and great Which filled his life’s cup to the brim And made him weep with hate. Throughout his youth and later days He tried to break the curse Which cast him into its dark maze And claimed his universe. Now old, he may perceive at last The irony of fate, Though many tests he had to pass His heart to liberate. What might seem harmless at first sight Can cause a heavy scar Which throws the soul into the night And makes it stray afar. Once time has passed, there’s no return To childhood’s fleeting days; Let every soul amain discern The coarseness of its ways.