They Sing of Sunshine and Shadows

It’s something I’ve pondered a lot these past few years—ever since I started writing, really. How do you balance the truth of evil with the hope of good? Because I feel like most artists—most people—lean towards one over the other. Either they are unduly pessimistic or naively optimistic. But darkness and light both exist. 

They sing of sunshine and roses

While ignoring the fact that

The sun blinds and

Roses bear thorns.

They dip their toes into the pool of life

And shrink back, afraid

Of the depths,

Trapped in a cage woven of lies.

Lies, like the light they laud—

Flimsy,  false, failing.

~

They sing of shadows and tears

While ignoring the fact that

Shadows are created by light and

Tears bring healing.

They imagine themselves to be plundering the depths

While they cower in mist, afraid

Of the light beyond the dark,

Captive to their fears.

Fears, flung from their false courage—

Weak, whimpering, wallowing.

~ 

They sing of sunshine and shadows,

Facing the darkness,

Finding the light.

They dive deep, lose oxygen, and

Learn to breathe underwater.

They are free to weave a weapon—

A sword of roses that pierce,

Tears that cleanse.

And in the truth, on the truth, they stand—

Sober, smiling, strong.