The soul who languishes in darkness

         and despair

Finds comfort in the misery that

         awaits it there –

Spends a wasted life,

         wallowing in grief –

Drowning in its own tears –

         having no belief

That life is both the valleys and

         the peaks

And a new sun shines brightly

         every day.

But in darkness all

         grows weary

And despair, like a shroud,

         is everywhere.

To not extend a hand

         in kindness

Is more cruel than any self-pity

         one wears,

For another human soul seeks

         solace –

Even if it ignores the hand,

         and remains unaware

That every soul is loved

         by God

And by caring people

         everywhere.

I shall not be counted as

         another one

Who turns away and does

         not care.

I shall continue to extend

         my hand

Knowing full well I may be holding only

         empty air

Within my heart and soul I feel

         compassion

And shall try to join my brothers, sisters

         friends, and mates

Someday we shall walk into

         the sunlight together

As our souls become one, and

         we assimilate,

For despair and sorrow can be

         overcome –

Despair and sorry can be

         overcome