Vessel of Scars

Dark shadows greet the morning,
hope escapes through empty net,
shame blooms despite my striving,
my boat just filled with regret.

Hot embers of a distant fire
cutting through the early dawn,
compassion's voice drifts through the mire
dismantling my feeble brawn.

Reckless journey to the shore,
invitation to dine again,
still remember what I swore,
running scared from my true amen

Reflections from the naked flame
sear deep within my broken soul,
in pride – denying I knew His name,
sees me now searching to be whole.

In the midst of my doubt and shame,
Jesus questions deep within,
"your love for me, do you proclaim?"
three times – the equal to my sin.

"Feed my sheep" was His direction,
through His grace I am refined,
looking past my imperfection,
rooster crow - all left behind.

A weak vessel for His glory,
leading sheep to green meadows,
God uses my broken story
through scars and endless shadows.

This poem was a finalist in the July 2025 poetry contest