I try to gather strength
Like broken shards of glass
Smashed into unrecognizable pieces
As though self-determination alone
Will piece my health back together again.
I try to gather strength
Like bits of sand scattered
By the winds of affliction
As though I could stop the tempest
Wrought upon the surface of my life.
I try to gather strength
As though I can control the running
River and the course of waters
That flood and overwhelm my soul
With the tides of difficulties rising on the shores of my heart.
I try to gather strength
To fight against the rains of adversity
A storm that blows away pride and self-reliance
Breaking through any false shelters I have built
Until the nature of suffering humbles me.
I try
And then I surrender
To the futility of the task
And rest instead in the grace of the Almighty
And know that I am built on the Rock alone.
(By: Melanie Boutiette 12-6-2023; written while suffering with severe bronchitis and dedicated to my friend Mary Lu facing her serious battle of affliction.)