When Virtues Wait

The life you walk now sighs beneath your feet— a path once clear now tastes bittersweet. Even as you carry grace like gold, judgment greets you, distant and cold. Kindness speaks, but you hush her voice, as if warmth is now the weaker choice. Respect once danced at your command, but now she trembles, bare and banned. You wear pride like a tailored coat, while Humility waits at your throat. She knocks—soft-spoken at your door, but you pretend you hear no more. Gentleness reached to hold your hand, but you brushed her off, didn’t understand. She asked the stars, “Did I offend?” while Bitterness posed as a trusted friend. Hope still whispers, though you turn away, calling through the cracks of your day. She shadows each step you take in doubt, trying to guide when you shut her out. Peace lies curled beneath your chair, tugging gently at your silent prayer. She once lived loud within your chest— now she begs to be your guest. You pass by Love without a glance, ignoring her offered second chance. She doesn’t shout—she only stays, waiting through your darker days. Connection knocks, not on your phone, but in your heart, when you’re alone. She asks, not for replies or likes, but for the courage to set things right. And still the Lord walks by your side, though unseen, He does not hide. If He can love through storm and flame, why can’t you do the same? If others can hold light in pain, why do you tighten in the rain? If love can bloom where hatred grew— tell me now... why not in you? ________________________________________________________________ Author’s Note: This poem speaks of the quiet knocking of love, humility, and peace—virtues that mirror God’s character. Even when we turn away, the Lord never stops walking beside us. May this piece be a soft reminder that healing begins when we choose to welcome Him—and each other—again.