by Meta Marie Griffin

 

I will not ask for relief;

only for stamina to make it through the night.

I cannot ask for a convenient belief,

instead an enigmatic mosaic full of darkness and light.

 

I do not desire magic in a bottle.

but the need to pay attention

to the miracle of butterflies and flight,

and all the life around me that is so often unseen.

 

I do not desire a throng of friends,

help me to find love in my own skin

so that when we meet,

you will recognize my face.

 

I will not wish for a cure.

I only need the strength to take that next step

and when I reach the top I will wait for you there.

I will leave behind this little prayer.

Oh Lord, why has thou forsaken me?

Oh my God, please hear my cry of pain and rescue me.

The talons of the wild beasts tear at my body as the pain grows

And never ceases.

I have not defiled your name or your temples.

I have done good in thy sight.

But you have left me. You do not hear my cries.

Is my pain a punishment for my deeds or my thoughts?

What do I do to reach you?

As I huddle under a blanket, nursing my pain, I hear the song of birds

And see the colors of the trees. I seek cool water to quench my thirst ere I faint.

Oh Lord, I feel thy spirit enfolding me as with a warm blanket.

God, thou has not forsaken me. Thou hast given me strength to endure until I come into your kingdom.

– Jenny Munro

Note: My mother is fighting severe and continuous pain as she ages. This is dedicated to her.