SELF EXPLORED/EXPOSED

There have been times 
I sought the comfort of a pill,
Begged a needle for relief,
Emptied a bottle for oblivion

I have tried many avenues
In search of escape
Professed love to many
Asked love of many

I have ridden this carcass
From first Day to seventy first year 
Opened my eyes to a world
Many friends have left unseen

Only recently has joy come
Only now have I found relief
Peace settles over me
Blanketing me securely

Knowing smiles from those past
Goal achieved, race run
Congratulatory nods from the wise
Begin to reap the rewards of the knowing

As a one day old, I carried the seed
Toddler I, fanned the spark
Teenage John struggled to keep lit
Twenties It became faint, misplaced

Adulthood a challenge to preserve the flame
Age slowly revealing the answers
Nestled deeply within
Acceptance difficult

Value of Self
Leads to forgiveness of self
To self understanding
Revealing Love of Self

Respecting
Honoring
Tending 
This person I’ve become

I prepare to enter
My seventy second year 
I carry no regrets
No grudges

I carry only love and forgiveness
I hope I learn more
Experience more
I hope to know you.

Today love fills me
Joy to my brim
Peace to overflowing
Comforted by my God

Only now 
Answer found
I will love me because 
My God loved me First