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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Happy (07/12/07)
I’m in the pit again
I thought I was running the race with joy
What happened, I’m not sure
I must have fallen
Or did You push me?

I’m in the pit again
Self-doubt and Self-Pity my only friends
Toxic company to be sure
I must have chosen them
Or did You send them?

No kodachrome world for me now
All colors have washed away
With the tears falling down my cheeks
Like a chalk painting in a summer storm
Monochromatic grays surround me

A voice penetrates
The blanket of despair I’m wrapped in
Reminding me of a commitment
Made in the sun
Our turn to serve at the Food Bank

Hundreds of people line the street
All in shades of gray like me
With the weight of a thousand failures
Encasing my arms I lift the spoon
To fill a plate with sustenance

“Thank you so much, God bless you”
An angel has appeared to me
She is five foot two and dirty
A smile encircles her face like a halo
Radiant colors erupt from her eyes

The power of thanksgiving rushes over me
It strips away all self and exalts The One
The spectacles of doubt and fear are replaced
With joy and peace. I breathe in Life
“Your welcome, and God bless you”
__________________________________________________

Prov 14:21b (NASB) “But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.”
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This article has been read 1484 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
07/21/07
This is so meaningful and poignant- great imagery and description.
Catrina Bradley
07/23/07
I especially like the last lines of the first two stanzas. Very powerful. The poem concludes with the ultimate way to find happiness - by being a blessing to others. I enjoyed it - thanks for blessing me! :)
Lynda Schultz 
07/23/07
A much needed reminder and lesson, packaged very nicely.
Dee Yoder
07/24/07
We're often so caught up in our own problems and self that even in the midst of service for the Lord, we lose sight of what we're there for. Your story is a good reminder that thinking of others first will often help us feel better, too.
Sherrie Jackson
07/24/07
I liked reading this a lot. At first the stanzas read like a song, and that was neat. You did a good job keeping the imagery consistent, and I love this line - "Radiant colors erupt from her eyes." Beautiful. Great job!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
07/25/07
I like your use of color and your contrast of sadness in self-pity to joy in service to the needy in this well written poem.
Sara Harricharan
07/25/07
Nice! I like the line best with the chalk painting. This is something I think we can all relate to. Good job. ^_^
Kristen Hester
07/26/07
Excellent message. Excellent poem. When we get our focus off ourself we often find happiness.