The Combat

Thirsty and yellowed, the sinner moaned

Seeing no light, only hearing the drone

Of heavy, blind flies who beat at his door.

Those demons rhythmically knocked on his soul

Tormenting him for his gruesome crime;

They made for him a web of despair.

Travelling through this sticky maze,

He looked for respite and peace of mind

But alas! Agonizing Emptiness reigned.

When in this disorder his mind was lost,

He looked for something that would satisfy,

And green-caped Hope came to comfort him.

She told him his sorrow was not in vain

And she tried to soothe his pain

Yet he recoiled at her motherly touch.

The unfeeling heart of that stubborn sinner

Mocked the love that she wanted to convey

And he struck her with his harsh smile.

She bore it though, and uttered no complaint.

She knew that suffering would forgiveness win,

From Him Who sent her to this joyless man.

Her loving fearlessness perplexed his misled mind

He could not understand how she was so serene.

Then he knew that her bliss would satisfy his soul.

She told him he must start his life afresh,

He must pay dearly for his awful deed,

God's grace would help him on his way.

A new beginning requires great suffering,

Repentance, Patience, and a cheerful Heart.

Without these, one is lost in cold despair.

The flies now rapped at his very heart

And only increased their hideous noise

No rest was granted to this tortured soul.

Feverishly he wrung his shivering hands,

Eyes shut, and breath caught in his chest.

And thus he struggled with the persistent foe.

When he opened his eyes and let out his breath

Triumphant Hope stood there.

Then, out of love, he kissed her blessed feet.

The sun shone forth, the flies dispersed.

He knew that by his dreadful suffering

God's merciful pardon was his.