I found this old picture a little while ago and it got me wondering about what was going on for me back then. I wrote this poem to express something of what has happened since then.
I never knew
I never knew
What these eyes would see
My future waiting
My life hopeful, expectant
Trusting loving care
Uncertainty felt
Life begins for a pilgrim.
I never knew
What pain awaited
A child’s dreams and hopes
Slowly broken as years pass
Shy uncertainty
About what will come
Carefree days lost long ago.
I never knew
What words would be said
Loving and angry
Disappointments felt deeply
Caring and kind words
Their marks left on me
Each word holding my story
I never knew
What joys were coming
Growing into a man
The chance to cherish a wife
To hold precious love
Surprised laughter
The gift of faithful years shared.
I never knew
Made in my image
Meant unfathomable
Deepest love finding new places
Blessings found in children
Each one a God gift
Unexpected joys arrived.
I never knew
The treasure of friends
Till some turned their back
And others embraced with grace
The sadness of loss
Love changed to hate
Living and dying each day.
I never knew
That I would have dreams
Or try to write poems
That I would be deeply loved
Or, find words to say
How I feel right now
This boy’s eyes seen fresh today.
