V

Margaret V.Doran

There you are, bruised and bent
but you have won the victory
raise your head and listen

Do you hear it?

The sounds of anguished moaning
and despair
the demons of hell,
thwarted in their evil intent
now face retribution for failure

And you, bruised and bent
are the source of their screeching lament
for though they tempted you to the edge
they could not force you to comply
with all the powers at their command
you banished them with but your hand

And you, bruised and bent,
crumpled and worn
your energy all spent
could not see the defeat

Listen, do you hear it yet?

Cries of pain and loss to find
what they could not guess
that the flesh may yield to torment
but the soul is righteous and strong

Victory for the bruised and bent
the meek and mild
all glory shall rejoice
and with their songs of praise
and arms of comfort
drown out the devils' lament

Though the war is not won
we shall revel
in each victory gained
during the tortuous ascent
cherish each soul reclaimed
and celebrate Satan's discontent

This is one of several poems written over the course of one year for my friend and poet Brenda Brabender who took her own life on May 21, 2003. Other titles include Empathy | Falling | The Maple | Not Alone | Whole | Worth | Brenda is my sketch of my friend.

Copyright © 2003 Margaret V. Doran. All rights reserved.

If you enjoyed this poem, please send her an e-mail here.

Updated May 23, 2003
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