David, just shy of 50 years old, never considered himself old. He often joked with his friends about living to be a hundred. However, a recent medical issue had shaken him, reminding him of his mortality and causing him to reflect on the loss of his wife a few years ago. He had believed he had moved on, but the illness had unleashed a wave of depression within him. Amidst this darkness, one thing kept him going—the visits from Sarah, the young girl who lived at the end of the street, whom he had befriended and mentored. They bonded over their shared love for poetry and tea, providing solace in their mutual passion.

Regret loomed heavy within David’s heart. The past few weeks had blindsided him, beginning with an unexpected visit from Sarah’s mother. It wasn’t a friendly visit; instead, it felt more like a confrontation. Sarah’s mother had stormed to David’s doorstep, seething with anger, hurling insults, allegations, and threats. David had stood there, stunned and speechless, unable to utter a single word in response.

David was aware that Sarah had faced a difficult childhood, but he had deliberately refrained from prying into her personal struggles. He had hoped that his role as a gentle guide and mentor would be enough for her. He had turned to prayer, believing that through God, Sarah would find peace and her rightful place in the world.

Yet, lately, David’s own faith had been shaken. He questioned what he had truly accomplished in his life. He realized that he lacked the courage to confront Sarah’s mother, allowing her to leave after she vehemently warned him to stay away from Sarah. The guilt gnawed at him, wondering if he had failed her in some way.

As days passed, David often caught sight of Sarah walking past his house with her head bowed, accompanied by her sister. She no longer stopped to peruse the books in the little library or share tea after school. It was as if a barrier had formed, separating them from the connection they once shared.

One chilly morning, David’s surprise peaked when he saw Sarah walking to school alone again. What caught him off guard was witnessing her halt by the book box, slipping a note inside. He felt a pang of remorse for not going outside to greet her, to offer a comforting presence. Once Sarah vanished down the street, he retrieved the letter, his fingers trembling with anticipation.

Unfolding the paper, he discovered, as expected, another poem. It tugged at his heartstrings, unraveling his own pain and struggles as he read it. As he began composing a response, he realized that his words were not solely meant as a reply to Sarah’s anguish, but also served as a reflection of his own desperate plea to hold onto hope during the darkest of times.

In the midst of darkness, a light breaks through,
though death causes tears to fall with heavy sighs,
It is a weight that burdens, a sadness that cries,
it lurks in dreams, haunting, pain-filled screams,
feeding on your fears, tearing at the seams.

The light, a promise of redemption, love pure and true,
though the darkness, taunting, grips the old man’s heart,
aching and gnawing, tearing him apart,
a reminder that life seems just a guise
with arrogance blinding, judgment unwise

Remember Jesus conquers for he faced death’s sting,
yet still, fears come with tears, the child sheds,
sorrow and loss, filling their little heads.
These tears that stain a child’s face,
A loss so great, it seems time cannot erase.

Jesus brings hope eternal, on grace’s gentle wing.
Sin, a void so deep, it’s hard to fight.
A fear that grips you late at night,
a finality, a fading of breath, painful lies,
Fear is hiding the truth, corrupting the skies.

In His sacrifice, Jesus, a victory proclaimed,
Though the darkness is swallowing the light,
A never-ending battle, a relentless fight,
the sorrow, a heavy load to bear,
a weight that crushes, a constant despair,

From death’s grip, Jesus rose, forever unchained,
Frees you from the emptiness, consuming and cold,
A void that eats, a hunger that’s old.
in sin’s twisted morality, a crooked sight.
A veil that covers, a never-ending night,

He shattered the chains, the tomb’s stone rolled away,
Free from despair that grips like a vice,
the hopelessness that never thinks twice,
leaving memories that linger and groan,
A haunting reminder, a pain to atone.

God’s spirit conquers death’s power, the ultimate display.
Sin is a voice that whispers in your ears,
a constant reminder of all your fears,
the shadows that follow you near,
whispering secrets that no one can hear.

Remember, in His triumph, we find solace and peace,
So when burdens are too heavy, weights dragging you down,
A warning sign, a call to turn around
turn from the lonely, a feeling so cold,
A lack of connection, God’s salvation unfolds.

Knowing death’s hold on us will one day cease,
the search is not futile, the hope is sound.
Though in finality, the curtain comes down.
A heaviness that suffocates, a burden too rare.
A reminder of time, a life that’s unfair,

For through Jesus’ love, a path is made clear,
Resist the emptiness that fills with dread,
trying to convince you that all hope is dead
The ending is wrong, it needs a rewrite,
It’s leading you astray. You’re never out of God’s sight.

Jesus leads you to life everlasting, free from pain and fear.
It is a blindness that clouds your mind,
leaving you lost, with no path to find.
Though it lingers like a stain,
a seemingly endless cycle of hurt and pain,

Though tears may fall and burdens may weigh,
these memories that haunt your soul,
leaving you broken, no longer whole.
let go of the coldness that freezes your heart,
it’s tearing you apart, tearing you apart.

In the promise of Jesus, we find our stay,
It is your pride that blinds your sight,
keeping you from what’s truly right.
Let go of the pain that grips your soul,
It’s taking its toll, taking its toll.

In His embrace, death’s shadow slowly dies.
Hold onto this truth, God’s grace is profound,
Death, though present, will not keep us bound,
For Jesus has overcome, the victory won,
In His name, we find life, forever to run.

He offers comfort, wiping tears from our eyes
You’re not alone, there is one who can see,
the feelings so deep it’s hard to break free.
Let Jesus into your heart, your soul, unbound.
You’re never so lost that you cannot be found.

David sat at his desk, his hands trembling slightly as he finished writing the response to Sarah’s poignant poem. His own pain and struggle had seeped into his words, intertwining with the hope he tried to convey. He read over the lines, feeling a mix of sadness and solace wash over him.

As he folded the paper and placed it in an envelope, he couldn’t shake the heavy weight in his heart. The recent encounter with Sarah’s mother had left him feeling vulnerable and uncertain. Again he wondered if he had failed Sarah in some way, if his influence had caused her more harm than good. But he also couldn’t deny the connection they had formed, their shared interests, their conversations about life and faith.

With a sigh, David put on his coat and stepped outside. The cold air bit at his cheeks as he made his way to the little library by the side of the road. He gently placed the envelope inside, hoping that Sarah would find it and that his words would offer her even the slightest bit of comfort.

Days turned into weeks, and David saw little of Sarah. The absence of her presence in his life weighed heavily on him. He longed for the laughter they shared, the moments of inspiration and vulnerability. But he also understood the complexity of her situation, and the challenges she faced within her own family.

One afternoon, as David sat by his window, sipping his tea, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure walking down the street. It was Sarah, alone. His heart leaped with a mix of excitement and concern. Had something changed? Was she okay?

To his surprise, Sarah stopped at the book box, her eyes scanning its contents. She hesitated for a moment, then took out a piece of paper from her bag. With a swift movement, she placed the paper inside the box and hurriedly walked away.