REDEMPTION: THE LONG ROAD

You were once a horror, Love.

I remember all too well
the violence you are capable of;

and looking at you now, Delight. . .

looking at you now!
your rage comes out when the weak are threatened;
your conquering mood strikes when oppressors step out
                                     – all boldness.

oh looking at you now!

you are so much stronger than you ever were before,
no more the friend of the demon king,
no more cruel one out to satisfy only himself. . .

What a change you have wrought in yourself, my Love!

So many millennia ago,
the world trembled at your name.
and now?

And now you make me miso soup with black mushrooms;
you say I must get stronger!

And now you fuss over the little dog;
play tug with her, help her chase the deer that come to visit. . .

If only every being would choose to grow into their own best selves,
in spite of their histories.

The sky would mend of its own, just then.