Joys of Sorrow

Made so many missteps
Though the road looked rather clear
Not the footing but my thinking
was the error here I fear

Looked at smiles in the window
Believed that lie I often tell
That my words and deeds forgiven
Keep the water in the well

Not the hand that holds the water
Nor that skin contains the soul
All things I've done, thought or whispered
Never decrease the price or toll

I have taken when should have given
Buying things I should have sold
For all things precious, those quite gentle
Are worth much more than all my gold

I know right now that God will hear me
When I ask for another chance
But there is another heart he must soften
Another partner in this dance

So I look forward to what I still have
Hope, light and dreams to come
The past lay prostrate in the darkness
Not all measured by decreasing sum

I wish, I want that it were different
That she were mine and I for her
Lacking clarity of my error
This learning part would not occur

I pray forgiveness in her bosom
That she would again seek my spirit
The best in life is voluntary
Not good the loss because I fear it

All rights reserved to James Martin Cox