Not an Option

Not an Option

By Leslie Noyes

Failure, under the spotlight, turned down a wrong road, dined at the bad trough, lessons learned.

Heartache, walked on the tightrope, fell into an abyss on the highway to hell. Seeking penance forevermore.

Trust, sought, but not earned, squandered in bushels, by deeds too heinous to tell. Forgiveness sought.

Grace, offered in buckets, washed in the blood of the everlasting lamb. Earnest prayers offered with hands raised in praise.

Approval

success and failure
fraternal twins fed by angst,
seeking approval.

  
no consolation
in the silence or applause
they sought acceptance.

  
clothed in afterthought
lingering at shadow’s edge
no acknowledgement.