To Love the Broken Child

December 31, 2023

I wish to stand before my God

In polished plates of flawless sheen;

To stand and look him in the eye

With fearless youth and perfect power.

I want to feel that I alone

Am worth an army of weaker men.

Behold my strength. Behold me here,

Like the angel of light before the fall.

But you teeter to me on toddler's legs.

I kneel to catch your gentle frame.

“Take off your armor, noble knight.

I want to know the child within.”

Your little hands begin to work

To strip me of my dear defense.

The breastplate follows the pauldrons and helm.

Their clang is hollow on the temple's floor.

What's left of me is pale and starved,

With bony arms and gimpy legs.

I hid this version long ago;

Though humble and honest, much afraid.

But you, O Prince, do take my hand,

And healing warmth spreads from your touch.

You peeled me from my tomb of plates

To love the broken child within.