Always Sleeping Poem by Dr. Lalita Smith

My tormentors: anger / turmoil / bitterness / regret
Bound by frustration, wounded-ness, un-forgiveness and hurt
Until I understood
I have harbored great anger and bitterness against you
Because you were always sleeping
While I was always reaching...
for the ultimate way
to fulfill destiny and purpose
to be made whole and set free.

I called out to you to arise and pray
But you turned your back on me,
Tightly shut your eyes, and
Wrapped yourself more snugly
In the blanket of your complacency.

You were always sleeping
While I was always reaching...
You chose another way
So I walked straight ahead ~ but alone.

I invited you to stand up for the things that were right;
Lift your voice against the ills within your sight,
But you were always sleeping
While I was always reaching...
You were escaping the role you were born for,
Unwilling to arise from your lethargy and slumber
So I am that voice now ~ but alone.

You were always sleeping
While I was always reaching...
For God's holy ways ~
Journaling the perfect words to say
Praying and asking,

Can anyone discern the times we are in?
Can anyone besides me see the handwriting on the wall?

Yet, I was angry
Because you were always sleeping
While I was always reaching...
And now ~ I soar ~ but alone
'Til another arrives to take
the place of honor you forfeited -
While you were sleeping.