A Gnat into an Eagle

I once wrote a poem about a butterfly
These beautiful creatures with wings of light
In many ways you remind me of one
Ever striving to reach greater heights
You yearn for transformation and detachment from self
But you fear the responsibilities of flight
The distance you'd fall or the pain you'd inflict
If you didn't do everything exactly right

What you seem to be missing is the most important part
The process which allows it to fly
For a butterfly begins as a very small creature
Vulnerable, small and infinitely shy
A power beyond its own strength or might
Tests it so thoroughly that to itself it must die
But if it were to resist this transformation
It would never reach the heights of the sky

Right now you are wrapped in fear and doubt
Caged in by a force that is ripping you apart
Cocooned without light, you are anxious and scared
But know that this is the hardest part
He is breaking down walls that the "self" has put up
Transforming you into His work of Art
And all you must do to see light once again is
Place your life in His hands and His love in your heart

Trust He is giving you the tools you will need
To fly on the breeze of His tests
To share with the world your beautiful colors
To soar free and unsuppressed
Leave your fears on the ground and spread your wings
Trust He is guiding your quest
For within His love is the strength you need and
Armed with His name you are assured and blessed  

The Gift of Happiness

How could I not be unconsciously happy
In this wondrous place where His light shone
How could I not be filled with joy and wonder
At the way my spirit and mind have been honed
What astounding blessings have I been given
More profound and unfathomable than I have ever known
I pray with the fire which burns deep in my heart
That when I leave my capacity to serve Him will have grown

How could I not share this joy with others
When it has so graciously been bestowed upon me
How could I possibly cover this light
Which radiates and glows for all to see
This love and joy I find deep in your eyes
This laughter of life, this soul weaving glee
With happiness, laughter, joy and love
He gave us the gifts to set our souls free

A World in Hiding

These evils, impossible to undo
Are more unfathomable than I ever knew
The tests and pain, followed by shame
Then bullying, distancing and blame

Youth are hurt, innocence claimed
Their lives will never be the same
Then their peers, cause more tears
Evoking self hate and exploiting their fears

Yearning for compassion and understanding
They receive ridicule and reprimanding
A community hides, puts justice aside
And allows a poor child to drown in the tide

What will have to happen for all this to halt
For us to realize these deaths are our fault
To take control, make compassion our goal
And to love and support these lost and hurt souls?