This morning my ex-father-in-law went home to be with the Lord. Finally, he will be in peace and reunited with his wife and other family members.
The first poem I ever had published was based on an experience with him. Before he died, he agreed to have me post the poem here.
Rest in peace, I'll see you again!
WOUNDED SOULS
I wonder how long we walk through life
Until we understand that everyone has a story?
So quick to judge when someone hurts us--
When someone lashes out, we struggle with our reactions
A friend told me once that, "Hurt people, hurt people"
And I know this to be true.
I guess until we examine the wound
Within every soul, we really don't know.
Those who suffer abuse or live with pain
Those who are belittled and humiliated
Those who are bullied and broken
All because a wounded soul, wounded them.
But how long must the cycle continue?
Someone is hurt, so they have the right to hurt you?
There are so many people that suffer
Abandonment and rejection and shame
Wounded souls crying out in the night
So I think we have an obligation, really
To learn about each other's stories
To be patient with each other's pain
My wound is not your wound
But because I have suffered wounds of my own
I need to understand what lies deep within you
May not be so different from what I have felt
Never, ever having to accept abuse or injustice
Rather, standing up with courage in the face of wrong
But still, keeping compassion within my own heart
To understand your story that unfolds bit by bit before me
To understand that your dreams may be long gone
That tragedy may have affected you or someone you love
Or maybe you didn't have the privilege of knowing real love
And disappointment and hurt have followed your heart around
I suppose we can all take part in wounding each other's fragile souls
Of feeding the darkness and the pain--
But it seems if we are called to walk in the light
To offer signs of hope and love and forgiveness
We need to find a way to be the instrument of peace
And help to heal each wounded soul.
