Layers

A Poem

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Layers

built up over time 
like new paint on paint
calluses, scars,
and wrinkles, though faint 

layer upon layer 
can bury a kind soul
life-changing events
spin us out of control

vision and faith
lost to dark clouds above
missing answers,
wisdom, and especially love 

layers built up 
can be stripped away 
dig down to the heart
start the process today

do people change?
or does life beat them down?
We're born with good hearts, 
we can turn it around

Forget to be angry
watch a layer decay
be joyful for others
see another melt away

we pick up bad habits
as we learn and age
It's time to turn the clock back
read a different page

reclaim the life 
we want to lead
change our perspective
and life will help us succeed

no matter how much
change we want to see
the layers will fall off
if we want it to be

revealing the person
buried under all those stains
stand tall and with light
the world needs less pain

I wrote this poem because I have experienced some changes in my life recently. The most impactful event was a trip to a dermatologist to have some spots on my face looked at. The spots are nothing serious, but I didn’t know that until after the appointment. I am thankful. I’m sure many of you have been through similar appointments.

The spots were frozen during the office visit. That wasn’t particularly fun, yet it was great for my peace of mind. The two spots look awful now as my body works to shed that dead skin. In many ways, I’ve seen this as a rebirth. Believing you have a serious medical condition is eye-opening, even when it was never really serious.

The scabs will go away. I will continue to be diligent in watching for possible skin issues and in chipping away at the unwanted parts of myself that have layered over the real me.

The dermatologist is the expert, not me. I asked my family doctor about a spot on my nose, and he referred me to a specialist. Please check yourself and protect yourself from the sun. The appointment and the exam were easy.

The Activist Book One: The Inception

Take care of yourself,

Rod