Yes, once I walked in shadow's shame;
I shivered long in blame's cold flame.
Yet I, in condemnation cloaked
in tears of dismal darkness soaked.

Much worse it seemed my soul was numb,
all judgement doused in mists of rum.
When morning came my guilt returned-
my heavy heart within me burned.

I can't keep running from myself,
I'll still remain on sin's dark shelf;
my soul cried out for hope's reprieve-
writ on my mind -- "to death I cleave."

And yet somewhere, so deep, so dim,
I glimpsed a flash on hope's bright rim,
then, unannounced, a dazzling light
lit up my soul, renewed my sight.

So many days have flown since then,
I've grown in grace I've gained truth's ken.
I now know God my ransom paid-
on Christ my rock, my sin was laid.

R.Owen 30/07/2016