By E. C. Colton
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I run a race that no one can see,
But too often I lag behind.
I watch the leaves glide on the wind
And wonder what itβs like to bide time.
When I pause to take a breath,
The wind shoves an unchecked task list
Into my clenched hand.
My mind rings with endless aisles of thoughts
Of all the girls I wanted to be
Before I realized my inabilities.
Itβs like I run a race among the stars,
My limbs losing in a fight against gravity.
On those days itβs easier
To disappear into paper worlds
Of lions and swords in stone
And abandon the race Iβm running.
On those days I beg You to give me strength
To keep running this spaceless race.
The silence drifts on and onβ
Stealing my song, stealing my prayers.
But the wind carries a mindless tune,
Fluttering the pages around me.
With it comes a whisper,
A faint truth that weaves
Its way into the room around me:
You can use my inability.
As the sun rises, the truth explodes
Into a cloud of blossomsβ
Glittering burgundy and silver.
This shattered mind can ignite,
This silent heart can whisper stories,
This trembling hand can weave words
Filled with shadows and light.
The unfading vow
That remains in the dusty room
Is a whisper when all else is forgotten:
I will run this spaceless race.
E. C. Colton is a Christian, cat mom, aspiring poet, and published author. She strives to write stories and poems that illustrate deep truths through realistic characters and prose. She’s a fan of tear-jerking stories, the dystopian genre, and leather bootsβall of which often show up in her writing. When sheβs not writing, youβll find her drawing, designing graphics, and scribbling away in a vintage notebook with a cup of tea.
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For a bigger dose of her writing style, check out her little corner of the internet, Quill of Hope, or join her up-close-and-personal mailing list.
Wowβ¦ Iβm speechless. Iβ¦ this is GORGEOUS! I love it. Youβve got talent, Emeline!
This is really good stuff, Emeline. I’m not usually a reader of poetry but you really pulled me in. Awesome job!
This is what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you loved it!! π
Beautiful.
Thank you so much, Karissa! π
Wow. This was beautiful and inspiring. What an encouragement. Thank you, thank you for writing this. I felt the passion and the emotion and am so motivated by it.
It means so much to me that this touched and encouraged you, Autumn. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment!! Keep on running the raceβyou are not alone!
Wow, Em, your poem is amazing! And right on point, too. I think all of us have felt that way at one time or another of wondering if what we’re doing is really worth it. Keep running the race!! π
Thank you so so much, RuthAnna! That means a lot! π
Emeline,
Beautifully written and so talented. It reminds me of the race I am on, to keep going, when falling and getting up, to have champions and mentors to cheer me on, to encourage others, and reach the arms of the Heavenly Father.
-Quyen
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Quyen Yee! I’m so glad it encouraged you. π
So proud of you, Em! This is so neat to see! And the whole idea of a spaceless race paints a picture of endurance and depth. Thank you for sharing this, girlie!
Aww, thank you, Coralie, that means a lot! And of course! It was super fun to write. π
Wow. This is so beautiful. It resonates with every part of me. So beautiful. I copied it by hand so I could have it in my room to read. Just gorgeous.
Aww, I’m so glad this poem touched you, Andrea! Thank you so much for taking the time to drop a comment. π