I rise up from the sackcloth and ashes
rejoicing that my time of lamenting
has drawn to a close.
My heart has been set free and cleansed
in the fires of bittersweet memories.
The joy of my mournful soul is refreshed
by the cool waters of renewed hope.
And my tortured life is at last removed
from the rack of old emotions and the
stinging whip of a love lost.
Donavon Scott Vinson