Wow, these Sunday Whirl posts are taking me into the past in some unpleasant ways. Today’s wordle brought to mind the bondage of not forgiving oneself for things that can’t be changed or undone:
Captive
Entranced by dense smoke
pelting my senses with the burning
of yesterday’s mistakes,
my heart strays into the cement
of regrets.
Held fast by cumbersome memories
murmured in my soul’s ear
by that demon Fear,
my spirit drops the map home,
reluctant to allow itself
to embrace the only answer
that will free it.
I’m blessed to know that there is a way out of that trap of self-condemnation, a way that I’ve been taking for almost 24 years now:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” – The Bible (New International Version), Romans 8:1-2
Phew…yes there is always a way back into the light if we look for it. Nice wordle Traci
Thanks, ddt. That’s the key – looking for the answer and embracing it.
I heard something worth repeating here: we can run from the past or learn from it. I choose the second (although it does take work)… love this, Traci.
I’m glad you love it, Laurie. And like you, I choose to learn from my past and let it be a source of blessing and comfort to others.
Fear is a demon, yes it is. Finding illumination and comfort….that you have. Lovely write.
Yes, I have, Brenda. Thanks for recognizing and acknowledging that.
I agree with Laurie, but it takes LOTS of work. Well worth it, though. It is interesting, if I can be abstract for a moment, that its easier to be pulled down the negative path, and that we have to work to find and stay on the positive one.
So true, Margo. The negative path is the “path of least resistance” people speak of, but it ends in destruction. The positive path is narrower and takes more effort to walk, but it leads to life.
Traci, I liked your wordle, especially since it caused you to write something that was meaningful to you, something to think about. May your spirit embrace the answer that will free it!
Thanks, Mary. Even though I wrote this poem in present tense and first person, it’s more of a past tense situation for me. Nowadays, I embrace the truth I quoted at the end of the post. My spirit embraced that answer April 24, 1988. I’ve been walking it out ever since.
The human heart needs release – and you went back to the true source.
Yes it does, and yes I did. Thanks for seeing that.
Well done work weaving the wordle words and producing such an uplifting piece …
http://aleapingelephant.blogspot.com/2012/02/last-wolf.html
Thank you! Glad to have such an encouraging eye on my work.
I’m glad you have found another way.
Thanks, Annell. I appreciate your visit and comment.
Well constructed wordle! I like to think of Star Wars in terms of light and dark. Even Darth Vader was able to ‘live’ in the positive light of the Force. Learning is hard, learning is a gift, learning is light. Peace.
Learning is definitely a gift, even though it is often not easy. Peace to you too, my friend, and thanks for the uplifting comment.
Celebrating with you those 24 years! Amen!!
Thank you, my sister! It has certainly been an adventure, and I’ve been so blessed to be on it.
I love this; erudite, powerful, beautiful. Thank you
Thank you for the wonderful feedback, tara linda.
Sure Traci;
I’m a little late posting this wordle, but really enjoyed it…
http://taralinda.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the link, Tara Linda, and great use of the wordle.
‘the cement/of regrets’ – what a great phrase.
Thanks, Tilly! I appreciate the positive feedback.
I’ll be poeming again in the near future, just as soon as I finish final edits on my first novel (planning to self pub as an e-book). Getting the book ready to launch is consuming all my time, energy and attention outside the day job. Almost ready to upload it, though; I’m so excited!