Daily dipped
in another’s disappointment
child learns to hide in coated shell,
believes he’s rotten through to core.

Up river
of shame he swims, climbs mountains steep.
Morsels of affection his, he
thinks he’s no right to ask for more.

Boy becomes
a man compromised from start.
he may dwell in secret shadow,
fell lost or never good enough.

Or he may
strike out angrily to prove worth,
fight for elusive honor and,
in hubris, drive himself to ruin.

Road to health
for man who fights or man who flees
crippling shame begins with one step:
surrender to love, grace of God.

Innocent
as three words seem, we must stop, think
before we say, “Shame. Shame on you,”
to a soul God adorned in grace.

Better that
we who love and care for others
give presence and direction, then
whisper softly, “Grace. Grace to you.”