The Darkness Fades
By Randy Wolfe, Kenai
As I sit here in the dark, awaiting I don’t know who.
Someone I have known my whole life but had hoped wasn’t looking.
The darkness creeps in from the back door I keep propped open,
Just in case I need to run. I’m comfortable in the dark.
A loud voice in my head screams “I don’t believe in God.”
The darkness fades and a shadow comes into view.
He digs through the pictures of my family and friends.
I yell at him “Don’t look at those.” All you’ll find is pain.
He looks at me and smiles, while a tear runs down his face.
Then signs his name on every picture.
That voice, quieter now says “I don’t believe in God.”
The darkness recedes and I can see him more clearly.
I feel like I’ve met him before.
He’s looking on a shelf where there’s pictures of me getting high.
I say to him “Don’t look at those.” I want no one to see the pain I hide inside.
He’s crying freely now, but looks at me and smiles.
Then signs his name on every picture.
The voice, whispering now says “I don’t believe in God.”
The darkness is almost gone and I can see him crystal clear.
I do know this man.
He’s digging in a box where I keep pictures of girls I have known.
I scream “Don’t look in there, please.” I want no one to see the shames I have done them.
He’s sobbing now and his body is shaking, yet still he smiles.
Then signs his name on every picture.
The darkness in my life wasn’t from the absence of light.
But from the presence of my sin. I do believe in God.
But more importantly, He believed in me.
