a wound received
so long ago
when we were young
and innocent
it seems at first
to fade with time
but then the pain
returns with force
no treatment found
or counsel sought
we learn to live
with damage done
diversions help
as do the joys
but still it burns
defying time
and now we know
there is no cure
this chronic pain
is in our soul
they first occur
in early years
holiday myths
betray our trust
and on their heels
the myths of faith
instilled with fear
and lasting guilt
and then the words
that make no sense
to teenaged minds
in search of truth
and soon the lies
of broken love
that open wounds
that never heal
and then our turn
to foster myths
when we have children
of our own
and finally time
to hide the truth
that we decide
need not be known
love and commitment
laughter and joy
the support of family
the company of friends
pride and achievement
a successful career
the beauty of nature
the solace of art
granted old age
each year a gift
admired by colleagues
rewarded for skill
and yet it persists
the black hole of life
the hidden sorrows
that alter its course
