Coloring Souls

Our words leave marks
on others’ souls,
We paint in wisdom
or stain like fools.

Ask yourself
what hues you leave,
What you’re teaching
to believe.

Pushing down
or helping fly?
Acts that scar
or beautify?

Shades of kindness,
hope, and joy
Words to build
and not destroy?

Because our wounds
turn into weapons,
And bring harm
from self-protection,

We must repent
and turn from anger
To not become
a source of danger.

It’s time to choose
your palette well,
For one day soon,
your works will tell,

How you spoke
in secret spaces,
What you wrote
on others’ faces.

Do you inspire
hope or fear,
Addressing pain
from yesteryear?

Sorrow’s tears
will help the healing,
And give room
for others’ feelings.

Your choice to pick
tones dull or bright,
To weave with threads
of love and light.

God brings the rain
and hangs the colors
For us to use
to love each other.

*Original poem by Kerry Hasenbalg