Clemency

"We do not live by justice, but by grace." - Thoreau

I was in a prison of my own making.

A non-judicious jail.

Shackled in shame.

Sojourning in purgatory.

Trapped behind a wailing wall.

Condemned by carnality.

A captivity forged in the bowels of my being.

Detained by evil lies that shrouded my heart.

Held by hatred and self-pity.

Soaking my essence in a bitter brine.

Sin was the sentence.

Passion the plea.

Perception is reality.

Faith cannot be confined.

Your word a light.

A liberating promise.

Providing a way.

The story is not finished.

A heart still beats within me.

I have hands to pray.

Arms that hug.

Lips that kiss.

Legs which kneel.

A tongue to praise.

Love cannot be killed.

 Truth won't be silenced or concealed.

Each pounding of the nail.

Lashing with the whip.

Drop of blood.

I would die for your sake.

Not renouncing you.

Never forsaken.

My soul has been pardoned with leniency.

Redeemed and reconciled for eternity.

Washed clean in the river of righteousness.

Drenched in divinity.

Freed forever.

Living to serve another day.

My sails are filled with forgiveness and favor.

My course is reversed.

My compass righted.

I have been granted ...

... clemency ...

Author's Note

"When you knock, ask to see God — none of the servants." - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your poem reminds me of how we can sometimes start out a day carrying a shitload of whatever (your first stanza) – resentment, annoyance, jealousy, etc. But then comes the moment when we finally wake up & remember where our clemency can be found (your second stanza) – replenishing our tarnished spirits at the trough of His grace. As always, your writing is top-notch & well-structured. Except for one line that wasn’t as fitting as all the rest: “possession is nine-tenths of the law” – this doesn’t come across as cliché becuz this saying is an old one & rarely used anymore. I just don’t feel the same tight fit as all the rest of the lines in that part of your poem (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

exactamundo. i agree with your assessment. you couldn't possibly be more spot-on. as usual, you read with an open-mind, a receptive heart and a beautiful soul and it is appreciated. i agree about that line and will re-work it. thank you Margie ... :)

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Wow - how amazing- you bring the word to life- truth and wisdom been attained- by grace and mercy- wonderful is this testimony of a sinners life- true freedom and salvation in humbling ones self before our saviour - just wonderfully written 🌹

[Pete]

thank you Thoughts. you've sure hit the nail directly on the head. appreciate you stopping in for a liberating look ... :)

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

And worth all the looking and learning🌹

[Crowley]

A fitting metaphor for the dance we do with ourselves to try and justify our feelings, emotions existence. It is a thin line between that prison and the smell of freedom and happiness. this was really well written, loved it a lot. I am a big fan of Thoreau as well, I love all the quotes.

[Pete]

thank you Crowley. i can see you get it and it is appreciated. thanks for mentioning your like of Thoreau (my favorite writer) too! ... :)

[sette]

God is all forgiving and even if we mortals find it hard to forgive with God it is easier

[Pete]

yes, very true sette. thank you so much ... :)