Seasons

At some point, you learn

That words are woven into stories,

Stories into lies,

And lies can make up a life;

That lies can make up a man;

That duplicity is contagious

As bad company corrupts good character.

At some point, you learn

That a coloured face can be a façade

And beneath is a can of worms

Feeding on nicks and cuts,

Picking on fresh, bloodied wounds

That will heal or won’t heal-

Only time can tell.

At some point, you learn

That a smile is just a mask;

That a hollow smile belies

The tempest in the heart –

Of rage, madness, and love,

Choosing different shades of grey

Over blacks and whites.

At some point, you learn

That an enemy multiplies kisses

But a friend’s wounds can be trusted;

That you hurt those you love,

And you’re hurt by those you love,

But you love anyway

Because you were loved first.

Love overcomes,

Looks beyond,

Overlooks the façade, the worms,

And heals.

And that Love is neither grey

Nor black nor white

But is red, scarlet

And turns your scars

As white as the snow

And makes you a new creation.

At some point, you meet Someone

Who sweeps you off your feet,

Promises you eternity,

And leaves a permanent mark on your soul.

Say “yes” and you are changed.

Forever.