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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: WAIT (08/30/18)
The day begins, and here I am.
As always, I do not feel right.
With unrefreshing sleep, I feel
exhausted as I did last night.

No energy to get up yet.
It takes an hour, sometimes two,
to manage getting out of bed.
There’s nothing else that I can do.

It’s not the normal tiredness
I felt before this illness came.
It’s crushing, stubborn, burdensome--
I find it’s not at all the same.

And so I lie here ev’ry morn
until I feel that I can rise.
And even then, it doesn’t last.
Cut short by illness’s demise.

I drag myself around the house
to try to do a simple task.
But soon I’m eager to lie down.
My battery runs down so fast.

I’m hungry, but I can’t get up
until I have the energy.
Can only rest until it comes.
Such holding on is hard for me.

And this is how my day goes on.
I’m up for meals and do a bit,
but then my body needs its rest,
and there is no denying it.

And when it’s time to end the day,
I think, Well here I go again.
Exhausted as I go to bed,
but then insomnia sets in.

To rise, to eat, to rest, to sleep--
each portion of the day and night
requires that I wait and wait.
This tough routine is now my plight.

At times I feel beside myself.
I find the days are grueling.
I need to wait upon the Lord,
to look to him in ev’rything.

I will not make it otherwise.
This illness is too much to bear.
I’ll wait for strength and comfort from
the only one who’s always there.

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20 (NIV)
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This article has been read 780 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Verna Cole Mitchell 
09/06/18
This excellently written poem made my heart ache for the hurt that comes with chronic illness--but rejoice in the knowledge of God's care.
Mariane Holbrook
09/06/18
Sadly, this is the heart cry of many Christians and I was touched by the depth of your pain. But, as you said so eloquently, we wait on the Lord for comfort, relief and healing. Thank you for opening your heart to us.
Kristine Baker
09/06/18
Well written as I could feel the emotion in this piece. Good Job!
C D Swanson 
09/08/18
Thanks for sharing your heart with us in this honest and well written piece.

It is indeed the cry of many individuals suffering from a Chronic and debilitating illness, but brings witness to the faithful...

God bless you~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/10/18
This speaks so beautifully for many people who don't know how to voice these troubles. I think it will also help those who can't understand how just making it to the bathroom is a great day. It's a harsh reality for many, yet your words express the hope for so many, many who are also afraid to have hope. Jesus does understand suffering, frustration, even anger,and because he gets all of that, it makes the hope all the more beautiful and even reachable. I wish no one could relate to this piece, especially you, but that's not the reality. So many either struggle with a chronic illness or love someone who struggles. Your words will touch so many hearts. I think this is why it touches my heart so much...because it is so real.
C D Swanson 
09/13/18
Congratulations on your EC and powerful writing. Thank you for sharing your heart with us,

Blessings~
Mariane Holbrook
09/14/18
A well-deserved win, Laurie. You, Verna and I are on a roll now. Isn't it great? Kudos !
Jude Harris 
09/14/18
Very powerful. Congratulations!