Been in this torture chamber now for some years
Hope seems smaller as I search for it through the tears…

In the darkness never knowing what to expect
While rummaging through this emotional wreck…

As insanity weaves her vast fishing net
God keeps saying, “I’m not through with you yet.”

Am on empty with nothing left to give
Barely holding on, can hardly live…

Or even take one free wholesome breath
Before once again fighting in the depth…

Of a madness, very few could survive
Just so thankful today for being alive…

To go back into that boxing ring again
Where this madness starts to grin…

Thinking he’s finally worn me down
As he steadily begins to pound…

All these negative thoughts everywhere
While I battle between “I don’t give a darn” and “I do care”…

No matter where I turn
My spirit yearns and burns…

To realign itself with its true Maker
For this would be the final deal breaker

And madness would have to, at last, rescind
As I gain the upper hand—start to win…

While down on the ground
Can hear the echoing sound…

Of One calling my name
Causing me to shake off the insane…

As the dust starts to settle
Truly earning my metal…

When endurance and faith kicked in
Now this battle I am sure to win…

For this race is not given to the strong nor the swift
But to those who possess the spiritual gifts…

Of God’s grace, love, compassion, and mercy
Then madness conceded—gave a curtsy…

And vanished quickly out of sight
into the brightness of God’s saving light.

© c.f. leach, 2021. Copyright protected. All rights reserved.