Fear has a way of getting its way,
a dictator without mercy or compassion,
surrounding the heart with nameless qualms
that what felt as shame will one day be seen.
Walls high protected by anger,
or fear or anxious concern,
often nameless but a sentinel nonetheless;
assuring a life of withdrawal from intimacy
that is based on transparency and truth.
Does each heart carry its burden?
Or is it true that perhaps each one thinks;
“my secrets are unique
more shameful than others,
so hidden is the best road to take”.
Do all hearts bleed,
surrounded by a crown of thorns,
pain and fear constricting inner breath,
leading to spiritual asphyxiation?
This gasping for life
leads to many dead end destinations,
wrong places sought over and over,
until despair grows and inner self distain,
drowning the soul in a toxic sea of denial;
is there no way out besides death?
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All is known and seen already.
Our problems and shame common,
learned only when speaking truth
to one who listens and understands.
Which is a kind of death,
a stripping of the ego,
spiritual nakedness before another,
no wonder the road is arduous
yet leading to deeper and freedom
after the death of self revelation begun.
Br. Mark Dohle
Holy Spirit Monastery
