New and Old

A “New” Day

By: Erin 

The concept of a ‘new day’ after a rough night

Has never really seemed something quite right

The day after a struggle needs to be that of reflection and insight

Not simply pretending that everything is alright

Yesterday was a rough one

I hardly got anything done

My thoughts were out of control

I was tempted to hide in a hole

And while technically today is a ‘new day’ for it is not old

If I ignore what happened, the trigger, the hurt

For sure the darkness of yesterday will return…. Uncontrolled

I used to promise myself a fresh start tomorrow or the next

Unfortunately that promise was empty because the problem is complex

While each day is “new” in one sense it does not mean it will be ideal

Especially so, if I have not taken the time to heal

My own false promise of a new tomorrow where I will be better than today

Did nothing but lead me off the path and completely astray

It is true we are not defined by our past troubles and pain

But we must often look back at what at the source if we want to break the chain

It is difficult to wake the day after a battle was fought

And know that the hard part has not yet begun

But before you get overwhelmed and distraught

Remember this is how the war is won

Remember this is how that ‘new day’ comes and stays

And then you have the tools to keep the bad days away… always

Finally Alive

I won’t stop

By: Erin 

I have begun something good, no great

It’s hard, painful, and even exhausting

But I won’t stop

Because I finally feel alive

I won’t stop

Not after experiencing the

Feeling of my heart beating within my chest

As my soul laughs with my friend, the best

I won’t stop

Not after realizing the

Comfort that I can feel in deep devotion and prayer

In my times of joy and also in my moments of despair

I won’t stop

Not after witnessing the

Amazing people who are fighting this fight, and waging this war

Because this takes strength and determination down to the core

I won’t stop

Not after finally feeling the

Life pulse through my veins even in the midst of hot fire

Because life has become real and life is what I now desire

It took me so long to get here

Honestly exactly how it happened is unclear

But the journey was worth the wait

Because I have finally truly begun something good, no something great

And

I won’t stop

Because I am finally alive