Your sorrow shows in your eyes and is etched on your face
It reflects a weary spirit that is in a painful place
The smiling mask you wear when you say everything’s OK
Can’t hide from me the tragedy you still suffer from today
Some things are easy to see for those who’ve been there before
Such as when dreams give way to nightmares and sleep’s not safe anymore
I can sense your exhaustion from long and lonely nights
And know the darkness can last forever before surrendering to the light
But I see you’re a survivor who didn’t surrender when it was the easier way
And I know the courage that it can take just to face each new day
I know too well how horrible some things in life can be
And the cost of all you’ve lost so devastatingly
If I Could, I’d hold you tight and whisper in your ear,
“You are safe, you are loved, I care, and I’m here.”
If I Could, I’d help you to achieve inner peace
And from all your grief and torment I’d help you find release
If I Could, I’d help you to forgive those who did you wrong
So you could purge the pain and hurt that’s festered for too long
That poison is buried deep and slowly killing you
I know the symptoms all too well because I’ve suffered from them too
If I could, I’d stand with you through life’s hottest fires
Because there are so many things about you I admire
I love how you keep on trying even when your hope and faith have gone
It takes a lot of courage to find such strength to carry on.
–Russ Towne
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Oh Wow this is just outstanding… I am in awe of those who can sit and pound these out… beautiful…
Thank you, Rob. Some come easier than others. I can write some in minutes and some take many hours. Some flow like a waterfall, while others are much more like putting a challenging jigsaw puzzle together a piece at a time after pouring the pieces of 4 or 5 boxes of different puzzles together and then trying to focus on putting only one together. The is why some of my poems seem to be parts of 2 or 3 stories that don’t quite coalesce rather than one cohesive story or message.
I’m often in awe at the quality and quantity of your photos too.
Russ
I am sure there are many reading your words who will receive comfort and hope and will appreciate your profound understanding of and compassion for them. Your heart is all over these words Russ, and that’s what I find so beautiful.
Thank you, Mimi. To get such a comment from someone with such a loving heart warms mine and means much to me.
Russ
Beautifully written ..full of compassion..Diane
Thank you, Diane. I love how you so often take the time to say something kind to me.
Russ
I just adore this Russ – I keep coming back to read it again. It really speaks to me – I’m going to print it out and put it on my fridge 🙂
What a wonderful compliment you just gave to me! Thank you, Meg! I’d give a great big hug to you right now, If I Could, but I hope you feel the virtual hug that I’m sending your way instead.
Russ
I do – and I could really feel the sense of warmth and care in your post. You have made a difference in my life 🙂 Meg.
As you have in mine, my friend.
Russ
I’m actually feeling a bit sad and vulnerable, so have returned to this poem again today. Thank you 🙂
May it help you through tough and painful times whenever they arise, and may you have a lot more lasting joy and inner peace in your life!
Russ
Simply touching. Thanks for sharing this.
I’m happy that it touched you too!
Russ