Poem: The Battle

Why do we cry at night
When we close our eyes tight?
Racing thoughts seem to cross our minds
And we never quite know what it finds.
Hidden things jump out and make you yell...
"Help!  Help! What IS this thing?!
I don't like the despair you bring!
Be gone at once from this place!"
You scream into the changing face.
You plant your foot and straighten your back.
It's certainly not courage that you lack.
Surely the darkness must take flight
When it's faced with all your might.
Stalking forward, with a glare in your eye,
You're amazed that the darkness doesn't die.
It swells and grows into twisted shapes,
Great black eyes, like bottomless lakes.
It lears at you and begins to grin,
the dark words pierce you from deep within...
"Pride is the trap, and I have you caught!
I only grew stronger the more you fought."
It's words are darts laced with fire,
"Now you're mine, to do with as I desire!"
With a great leap, the end rushes near.
It's so close, you can smell the fear.
Your powerful arm is rent in two,
Limbs turn asunder, nothing you can do.
Broken, beaten, laid to waste...
Blood and bile is all you can taste.
With your last breath, you whisper a name,
through broken teeth and a mountain of shame.
"Jesus!  Jesus!" is your desperate request,
Uttered from within your heaving chest.
You wipe your eyes and toss and turn,
Hoping that someday you might learn.
that one day the thoughts will cease
And your mind will become a bountious feast.
To be pure and true, never afraid to do,
To be reborn, remade into a whole new you...
Is such a thing beyond your reach?
Are you the exception?  The one He can't reach?
You can't force your way through this one;
Only obedience knees can get it done.
Blindfold your eyes so you can't see.
You must follow the Spirit to be set free.
Don't be surprised if you still cry at night,
While on your knees, holding scriptures tight.
Racing thoughts still cross your mind.
This time you know what they will find...
Beams of light!  That shatter the night!
A vision opens up, such a glorious sight!
You see your Savior abolish the beast,
Then He gives you His love - and you begin to feast!
It's a never ending supply that He offers you,
So never give up!  Be Strong!  Be true!
Because, for you, there is nothing He won't do.