I've had some internal struggle lately...mostly confusion. I've spent a lot of time staring into the night trying to reconcile things from the darkness of our childhood...to recent emotions. As things have unfolded with my step dad's illness, and a myriad of other problems that my mom and step dad have encountered, I have felt great sadness and have done (and will continue to do) everything that I can to help them. But, there are times when the irony of this situation is almost overwhelming. Part of me wonders why I feel so much heartache for her...when she contributed so much heartache to us. After much, much, much...thought, I know why I can love her, and disregard the past. It is because I have been so blessed with a husband and two children...who I love with all my heart...and who love me back...with all their hearts. It is their love that has taught my heart... to love her.

The Apple

Isn’t it ironic…
The things we see.
They say the apple
Falls close to the tree.

In the quiet moments…
I close my eyes and see
Three helpless children
Brother, sister…me.

Anger, pain, confusion,
Reflected in the mirror…
Constant close companions…
To the ever present fear.

A healing, soothing balm
…the passing of the years…
Closed the open wounds
And dried the flowing tears.

Now the one
Who let it be…
Cries for help
…from we three.

Responding not…
With sweet disdain...
…no retribution
For the pain.

Instead we wretch…
…from deep inside
We feel her pain…
Hearts open wide.

That thing about the apple…
Though sometimes it’s right on…
Love can forever alter…
And the hardest wars be won.

Copyright©2008 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.