When you dwell in pain,
not knowing where to go,
too wounded for revenge or anger,

it would be better
to have your four limbs cut
from your body
than to climb the mountains
with all your heavy,
broken pieces to carry–

then gently,
in the dark,
angels encourage your eyes
to look up–
where a sky full of stars
illuminates twinkles of hope,
sparking your imagination
to dream about

how you can live,
how you want to live–

through the strength of your choices,
from the decency of your mind,
with a humble heart,
by the grace of God.

Linda Joy Walder