Over a decade has passed

But it feels like centuries

Such is the magnitude of change

That has occurred in me

What a look in these eyes

Might not tell you

Is that I’ve gained wisdom

It might be common knowledge

That I’ve been hurt

Yet living through this pain

Has taught me great things

I have learned patience & endurance

I now know some cruelties in life

Can never be avoided

They find a way in when

You chance to look the other way

So look for Sparkles of sunshine

Emerging from the clouds

When your skies are muted grey

You too will come to the realization  

That sometimes life has to get worse

Before it can gain momentum and improve

We sometimes need to learn how to lead

Ourselves out of the darkness

So that the next time we are there

We will instinctively seek the light

At times we may all be blind and fumble

But in us all is the ability

To press forward…