His Own

From promises you are absent
ripping comfort from my flesh,
Love only lingers in my memories
wounds exposed and always fresh.

You promised to protect me
yet here you leave me broken,
Bruised by the indifference of your soul
love's actions never spoken.

Why was I not valued by your love?
questions haunt and wont relent,
Bitter tears stain all delight
shame consumes without consent.

A child left alone in grief
shadows inflicted from within,
Purpose driven away, by constant doubt
knowing not where I can begin.

Wild actions are my cry for help
drugs and booze to hide the pain,
Hope now beaten to a pulp
vulgar thoughts of rage maintain.

Hurt and blame is all I know
resisting help to guard my heart,
Loneliness smothers all sense of life
rejection's curse tears me apart.

In the depths of pain, Jesus came
whips ripping flesh from human bone,
Meeting me in my despair
showing, I am His very own.

Valued by His grace filled love
promise of life is now my own,
Delivered by the blood He shed
reminding soul that I am known.

Protected by His refuge given
secure in the mercy shown,
My tears held in the Father's heart
despite all that I have blown.

Even with the darkness of my past
He carried all the weight of burden
Upon His frame, to remove all blame
acceptance by His love is certain.

From His presence never absent
dwelling alive and set free,
For I am His own dear child
wounds are healed, now I can see.

Note: This poem is written from the perspective of someone who was abandoned as a child.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:18 (NIV)
And, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

This poem was a finalist in the April 2023 poetry contest