The stony road covered with thorns

That is salvation

You will not know

Until it is traveled

The harsh chemotherapy kills the cancer

Not the comforting narcotic

The aged, mellowed whiskey prized

Over the cheap sugared water

Rugged, seasoned shepherd protects the flock

Not the pretty boy in the palace

The leader with a limp takes all home

Not the untarnished ivory tower one

It is the wounded, mended heart

That loves bigger, deeper, wiser

Eyes that have cried that can see clearly

Grace and wisdom disguised

The surprising, unexpected gift

Longed for faith rewarded

The irrefutable evidence of perfect light