No Promises

He used to wait for the spirits to give peace to his soul’s chaos.

He confided in celestials, humans & demons, but who kept their word to the end?

The humans displayed false optimism disguised as faith that only increased his heartache.

He saw the expectation of God’s saving grace disappear like mountain fog.

Yet and still he traveled to every peaceful sanctuary, swearing to never let go of promises.

But God’s glorious presence became a dark all encompassing absence.

And saints thrusted their swords in his back going through his heart of stone.

Even though he recited his oaths to obey every letter of the moral decrees

Divine destiny of failure defeated the purpose of his sworn declarations.

Trusting in saviors and said saints and he believed every lie the demons whispered.

He compromised his integrity and broke his own rules. Believing those lies were true. And they became his truth.

He watched as said saints waved flags of positivity and blessing, yet ignoring his tears and grievances.

But yet and still he vowed to remain loyal, reading their rehearsed lines and monotonous monologues.

And once he went off script, ad-libbed, regardless of the audience, suddenly his part was unwritten!

His character scrapped from the entire act, chapter, and verse.

The idea of faithfulness and loyalty was but a distant dream deferred.

Now he’s no longer believing in faking happiness or fashioning his own hopes.

No, he doesn’t expect to be received well or pitied, and he won’t pretend to be perfect.

He would no longer build his reputation on the assumption, approval, or assurance of actors and puppet masters.

His only saving grace is saving himself from the promises they all made.

And pulling the sword from his stoned heart with whatever resilience that remains.

But no promises.

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Written by Devans Eli. Copyright 2023 by Devans Eli. All rights reserved.