Thorns Among Roses

It breaks my heart I confess,

as I remember her twirling

in her dress

happy, silly,

swirling mess

of curls,

laughter-

perfectly beautiful,

yes.

It crushes the breath from my lungs

as I recall the songs we sung,

of Wise Men and mangers and a Virgin’s “womp”,

innocence, honesty and grace

with words misplaced,

but a family

sitting close

sharing

laughter,

singing Hymns

on the couch

and

the presence of a Savior,

smiling over it all.

As I consider

these recent days

with challenges and struggles-

and growing haze

blurry eyes, and lies-

certain “friends”

wise in their own eyes,

and careless words-

like thorns among roses,

they hurt.

I recall my own younger days

when it was so hard to see through the haze,

the tangle of lies, and cruelty of kids –

whose parents were equally cruel…

I see it again.

like thorns among roses,

they were.

So I pray

and I hope

and I confess.

I doubt,

I fear,

and too often digress.

I try, and I fail

and I trust

in what I can’t see.

Love is not blind at all,

but full of clarity.

And faith.

I strive to remember the hope inside me-

I try to encourage

despite what I see

I ask, and I chide and I often remind

her,

she is loved.

She is loved.

I turn away from the judging eyes,

breathing in the breath of faith

that keeps me alive,

asking for wisdom and courage

to face… the days ahead

with love and grace.

I think back to her,

twirling in her pretty dress, and her hair all tousled,

a beautiful mess;

and I only wish she could see she’s blessed.

Believe she’s blessed.

She’s blessed.

©Dawn Paoletta

Published by enthusiasticallydawn

Dawn Paoletta is a life enthusiast who loves to juggle words, chug coffee, and journal excessively. You can find her gathering stones on the beach most mornings. She enjoys hanging out with her hubby, daughter and family pets in Narragansett, RI and shares her passion, poetry and prose @Enthusiastically, Dawn. View more posts

6 thoughts on “Thorns Among Roses”

I know the pain of which you speak, my love. The causes here in our family may be different from yours, but we still share that pain. Persevere with your reminders that she is loved and blessed. We may not think or believe they are listening — but they are. And remember — you STILL have the presence of a Savior. The powerful, comforting, loving presence of a Savior.Grace & peace, to my BBFF and companion in battle! <3Pam

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