A Loving Mark Poem by Robert Stoddard

There are phrases that each man needs to hear.
They need to be from someone I hold dear.
Words that endow strength and power.
That are braces against the winds upon my tower.
Hearing them makes me something more,
but without them my heart is poor.

I know these things of which I need.
To my words I wish you’d heed.
I hope you see I try to love,
to my enemy I’d give a dove.
But still I know what I am called,
by words of hate I’m always mauled.

My will and strength is overdone,
tittles of judgment have all but won.
They’re taking the toll within my heart,
they cripple my mind like a flaming dart.
Still I know what I can be.
Why, oh why, can’t you see?

I could learn to be happy on my own.
What if you briefly exited your throne?
Would you say what needs be said?
Could you save a gentle man before he’s dead?
Could you stop a heart from turning dark,
if within you’ve placed a loving mark?