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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Inner Strength (04/20/06)
Wide, gawking, tear-drenched.
I inherited my mother’s eyes.
I want to gouge them.
Their weakness betrays my reflection.
Arise, oh daughter of Judah…
But I curl in terror.
I loath the fear that is shown through my mother’s eyes...
My eyes.
With timidity, I cover the mirror, hiding from fragility.

Teach me, Lord, to see myself through your eyes.
Wipe away the insecurities.
Help me to love myself today.

Serpentine, thin, bloodless.
I inherited my father’s lips.
Their corners whorl and quiver
like his did when he touched me.
Get up, stand firm…
But I crumble, weeping.
I recoil from the evil written on my father’s lips...
My lips.
With shame, I cover the mirror, hiding from my nightmares.

Teach me, Lord, to forgive myself through your grace.
Soothe the crushing memories.
Help me to accept myself today.

Purple, scarred, torn.
Shredded wrists condemn me.
I longed for my own death.
This vessel of flesh spent.
Lo, I am with you always…
Divinely healed.
I shudder at the strength that is shown through my Savior’s hands...
My hands.
With hope, I rend the veil, a visible new creation.

Teach me, Lord to release myself to your power.
Strengthen me in your word.
Help me to prove myself today.
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This article has been read 1320 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
04/27/06
Creative concept, but rather difficult and vague to embrace wholeheartedly...only one person's opinion. Nice work.
Helen Paynter
04/27/06
Beautifully written, skilfully constructed, powerful message - looks like a winner to me.
Sue Dent
04/27/06
I wonder if this is . . . hmmmm. . .I'll post later who I think it is. Either way very nice take on inner strength, I think. Very well done.
Jessica Schmit
04/28/06
I know who this is!! Great job. beautiful words as usual.
Sharon Singley
04/28/06
This is a haunting piece. You can feel the anguish of the narrator and hear the gentle whispers of hope from the Healer. Good job.
Jan Ackerson
04/29/06
Very powerful! I especially like "My Savior's hands....my hands." Great parallel structure, good use of poetic language. Top-notch.
Jean Elizabeth 
04/30/06
Beautiful use of language. You paint a vivid picture. Well done.
Pat Guy
05/02/06
Beautiful, lovely and touching. Good stuff!
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
05/02/06
What a message! Great word pictures.
Sue Dent
05/02/06
Yes, I was right! I did know who this was. Don't get to comfortable in Advanced! And I'm not saying that to scare you. Such a good, excellent job!
Linda Watson Owen
05/02/06
Yes, heartwrenchingly beautiful. Such talent!!
Maxx .
05/04/06
I really like this, Purity. You have a way of touching deep emotion in your short stanzas. I just noticed this week that your stanzas are always 50 words long(went back and counted some of your prior pieces too!) That's got to be hard to do! Glad to see you in advanced! Yes, you belong here. Keep up the great work. :-)