The Wall
By Alan Johnson

I divide myself into two parts
My outward self and inner heart
Then erect a wall between the two
To hide the latter from other’s view

The wall is built of self control
Constantly it must be patrolled
For fear the side I most despise
Be found and viewed by others’ eyes

Now, others looking do not see
The lurking darkness remains in me
The wall separates heart and deed
But keeps from sight my deepest need

This growing darkness bears a weight
That I am powerless to escape
The more I search behind the wall
The more I see how far we fell

Then appears the One I can’t resist
And to Him the wall does not exist
With a loving and gentle stare
He sees the burden I cannot bear

At last, Hope comes into sight
He covers my darkness with His light
He reaches down offering to take
All my sins, and bear their weight

Now I stand in joy and peace
For from the weight I’ve been released
And though my darkness still remains
His light too, remains unchanged

Alan Johnson is a junior at Central Washington University with an interest in Philosophy