Why I Stay
Life tells me these things never last
Experience names me a victim
To others, I’m a way to pass the time
A friend on Fridays, Mondays, and Some Days
When it’s convenient
I was the whisper in the wind
A shadow in the crowd
And my hope was crumbling,
My faith in others fading
In the moment of giving in,
You found me, reclaimed me
From the wounds of the world,
Sheltered me from the storm
Fear had stolen my boldness
A regime of isolation
Made the flower wither
Your touch stirred the embers
Of my soul
I was reluctant to commit
False friends and broken promises
Threatened to destroy this redemption
Time and time again,
You redefined friendship
You committed the inconceivable
Your hand enveloped mine-
The abhorrent emblem of my unknown sin-
And forgave me my trespasses,
Kissing the ravaged skin
You lit up galaxies of stars for me
I proved that love is not outdated
My pain dissipated like smoke
Your light illuminated my future
I took the plunge,
Cringing for the inevitable blow
You honored my trust
And dispersed the fog in my mind
Our love blossomed, flourished
Refined by the fires of condemnation,
Their searing reproach ignited the flame
Out of the ashes came rebirth
You encouraged me,
Dared my boldness
Dared me to shine brightly
To turn dreams into deeds
We knew what love was not
Perfection was found in forgiveness,
Peace in compromise
A thousand doors offered escape
Each step was a risk
But you never wavered
You chose to be true
Each day I look at you
Thankful for a merciful God
Who took common dust
And formed a diamond