Image: Luis Royo
I was the wretch
Dragged screaming before you
A wastrel, a scoundrel,
A pathetic and needy louse.
You looked down on me
I saw not pity in your eyes
But understanding.
Mine has been a wasted life
Years of frolicking in a world
Of excess and ingratitude.
I stood before you
Emaciated, a degenerate
Whose fade should have been
To rot in some dark deep dungeon.
I had sacrificed lives
Spent fortunes on self-indulgence.
But you never hinted of judgement
When you spoke:
“Get up!
You are more than this.
Go home!
Bask in the love that awaits you
Offer reparation
Be the man you can be.”
Through the filth of my withered psyche
You showed me a light.
Around me voices sniggered,
Scoffed at such suggestion
But inside I felt a stirring.
I lifted my sorry self a last time
From my own life slime
And stepped into the future.
Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2016/02/14/writing-prompt-146-the-emperor/
Morpethroad 
Sounds like rebirth to me Michael, sometimes you have to hit bottom to make that change
Yes I think that is a good summation Yves….for some it comes later than for others. Happy Valentine’s Day…
Thank you Michael! You have a Happy Valentine’s Day too =)
“Nice tale of redemption,” she said. “We all can use it.”
thank you my friend, lovely comment.
This is wonderful! It really pulled me in. I also love the happy ending. 🙂
thank you Joy, we all want a happy ending.
Yes. That is true. 🙂
I think a good many of us have that time in their life when they have to step up and fly right. My own occurred when, many years ago, I became pregnant and knew I wanted to be a good mother, one my child would be proud of.
Wonderful poem, Michael. 🙂
Thank you Cathy, appreciate your comment.