Hope Lost

May I walk with You for a while?
 I am weary- tired of the fight
 May we talk?
 Of deeds and actions that no longer seem right

At an early age Your gifts manifest
My strength- intellect – curiosity propelled me forward
 No dream seemed too large-too daunting
My future seemed unchallenged -assured

My ideas- my dreams I gave willingly
The celebration- the recognition seemed so real
I can still hear the congratulations
 It echoes in me still

 But time has passed
 My years are apparent
 A brown mantle now peppered with gray
 Skin now wrinkled shows age transparent

 Somehow those gifts You gave
 Your gifts- so precious- no longer burn
 Yet nothing You have given
 Have You taken in return

 What happened to the creativity?
 To the optimism- to the sheer abilities
 That had always been there
 Replaced by a hollow cavity now filled with insecurities

 He stopped and spoke - "my beloved- my champion
 I sent you into the fray with what was required
 You left my side with the spark
 That would have become a blaze that inspired

I watched- I cried as you grew
 Instead of the flame-your soul-growing in time
 You allowed it to be consumed
 That which was beautiful was cast before the swine

 Now you stand before me- a shell
 Nothing of what could have been
 My heart- like yours feels violated
 By a thief in the night perpetuating the greatest of sins"