poem by Jennifer Fleming 2014 dark too dark i stick trembling hands out - they came back bloody last time do i dare hope? does hope even exist? a spark! the instant i dare believe in the possibility of hope, a light - just a pin prick of hope grows banishing the pitch blackness of despair - of death to shine boldly, illuminating the Way, the Truth, the Life i cringe hands tight against burning eyes i don't want to see how dirty i am, how incapable of saving myself from the darkness but despite searing pain that light of Truth brings after such a long time in this self imposed darkness , I peek through gaps in my fingers - daring to focus on the face of Truth He smiles - stretches His scarred hand for mine the excruciating pain of seeing myself as He must see me - dirty, helpless, false - He forgives , breathes life where death once reside i gasp, taking in the first real breath my heart pumps life - abundant life though once i was dead, now i ...