Certainty And Shadow

Just a couple of poems I wrote the other day, parts of them are connected.

Certainty

by Karl Forehand

I thought I knew the answers

I thought I knew it all

When I found out something different

It felt like hitting a wall.

My certainty was absolute

I knew that I knew I was right

And anyone that disagreed

Launched me into a fight.

Now I know for certain

That I’m really not certain at all

My ego was holding me captive

It was nearly my downfall.

The dark night that I endured at last

Was almost more than I could bear

But now that I have made it through

I’m glad that peace is so near.

I discovered I needed my shadow

It is where my child resides

He needed just my compassion

He needed me by his side.

——————————————-

Shadow

by Karl Forehand

I tried to stuff my pain inside

I tried to keep it down

But it always came back stronger

And this is what I’ve found.

Pain and trauma can’t be ignored

They require all our tender care

We must show them now compassion

And always seek to be aware.

Shadow is not just the absence of light

It’s a pain that’s down deep within

Which comes to visit us now and again

And it needs us to be its friend.

Compassion is about the only thing

That can help to shift our pain

And see the child that needs our care

And help us be healthy again.

Certainty and Shadow