Target of Opportunity
In the midst of war, you hide your light
behind curtains and dark windows,
afraid of being seeing,
of becoming a target of opportunity,
always aware
that the enemy is close, waiting, seeking
to find your vulnerable places
in order to wound,
to keep you too weak,
afraid somehow that your light
might
diminish theirs,
or worse, might shine
in the dark corners of their soul
and reveal their truth for others to see, or worse,
forcing them to scrutinize.
But this war will end.
Light can only be hidden so long.
It is meant to be seen.
It is meant to expose beauty and pain alike,
to create paths and show the way
for others who are hiding their flickering candles
waiting for the wind, for their own wars
to cease.
So rise. Brush aside your thick drapes.
Shine.
Find yourself, the beauty you dared not believe.
Find the truth, that your light is not a danger
to yourself.
It is your sword
and your shield.
It makes you powerful, eternal
and victorious.
About this poem
I know far too many people who hide their best selves because someone in their lives tear down the very things that make them marvelous. Parents. Spouses. So-called lovers. Sometimes, even worse, ourselves.
It’s time for a revolution.
Tom
Quarry House 
I feel like this one is really speaking to me……..
So difficult to remove the heavy drapes, but so worth the effort.
I am working on it.
Thank you.
Be blessed in your journey.
That is true, very well written 🙂
[…] Source: Poem: Target of Opportunity […]
Reblogged this on Trail Mix and commented:
So fellow travelers, one more connected post to share.
I’ve shared posts from Tom Atkins often, either here or on my own Facebook wall. His writing, both poetry and prose often give voice to thoughts and feelings with both clarity and directness I need. This post speaks to coming through the experience of negative attacks and moving beyond them.
Letting light in requires us to be vulnerable. It’s safer to shut down, but ultimately we have to open ourselves up again if we are going to thrive rather than simply survive. To minister with encouragement and genuine compassion we have to connect with others. The more we open our hearts the more light can get out as well as in.
Thank you Tom for this moment.
Beautiful words, Deb.