Where Were You?

After the first blush of sin comes its indifference. - Thoreau

When the worn leather stung my young skin.

When unthinkable thoughts were spoken.

When love took a backseat to life.

When I received no change but paid full price.

When I lived on my knees and died on my feet.

When angels forgot the words to the song.

When the days were short and the nights unbearably long.

When the arrows of depression came and joy turned and fled.

When they came for coffee and shunned stained glass.

When I served hard time.

When I couldn't get the words to rhyme.

When it was low tide.

When I couldn't find my pride.

When even the shore left me searching for more.

When yesterday was forgot.

When I couldn't untie pain's intricate knot.

When reason wouldn't turn betrayal's incorrigible screw.

Tell me.

Tell me.

Tell me.

Where were you ...

Author's Note

"The only sin in the world is ignorance." - Thoreau

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

More than a little bitterness in this one. The speaker goes through a litany of trials of every sort, ending with an accusatory question: Where were you? It sounds as though someone was let down badly, maybe even betrayed. Is forgiveness possible here? That is the trial by fire.

[Pete]

nothing subtle here i guess. ah - you've so hit the nail on the head. how does one find forgiveness in such a situation? turning the other cheek and loving despite not an easy endeavor when the hurt is deep and cuts to the core. thanks for weighing in j. the b. ... :)

[John the Baptist]

Well, I am not the one who was hurt, so my comment was made without the attendant pain. I have read, though, that just having the intent to forgive is a good start. The important thing is not dwelling on the injury and wishing the offender ill. Nothing is worth the sacrifice of peace of mind.