Misty Eyes
by Odin Roark

There are many times
when rancor’s preying Mantis
patiently waits.

Frozen shackles
and rusted chains
gripping a fearful heart
remain motionless.

Vindication’s moment brandishes paralysis,
submissive smiles became
hard won immunity,
and destiny evades demise,
as it gently disarms
disguised weapons of slavery
with compassion’s embrace.

For lest we forget…

Lessons learned
warm one's frigid past,
defrost harbored resentment,
banish clinging disappointment,
evaporate icy delusions,
and replaces resentful tears
with misty eyes of forgiveness.