What You Believe

This piece was created by my youngest daughter last year. Wynter has been creating art, ever since she could hold a crayon. She has recently graduated from Herron School of Art, in Indianapolis and is preparing to move to NY for grad school. Everyday I am amazed at her skill and passion for expression. Using her pieces to create a story brings me unbelievable joy. Thank you for your time, in reading my work, but more for supporting a young, incredibly talented artist.

To believe or not to believe: it's a path that you to choose.

But don't be deceived, the choices you heed, may cause you something to lose.

Life is one big highway, I heard someone say, billboards display what lies ahead. Some intended to sway or kneel and pray, may leave you feeling mislead.

But it's only a sign, some painted words on a board, the decision to follow is yours. What for others is fine, can cause division inside, and make you feel like your life has been cursed.

Life: a series of wide open and tightly closed doors, we all take our turns to step through. Crawling down on ground sprawled out on all fours, who cares? You have nothing to prove.

You can try to ignore; this is just a preview, figure out what it's for, give your final review. Some will try to convince you, that they know what is best, they may call you a fool, put their words to the test.

Cause it's your life to live, your mistakes to be made, hold a grudge or forgive, learn to give or just take.

What is there in your compass, morality or direction? Everything to fill lonely, simultaneously ends in rejection.

They say, Jesus saves, and I guess seatbelts do too, the dilemma? Who to obey. Ultimately - is it my decision or tool, or a predestined vision displayed?

True destiny is found when the hard work is done, you can’t hear the sounds over the fun, it will be what it is, unless you change a few things, salvation is bliss, and the angels all sing.

But who made the decision to call it a sin, and what accounts have been taken, towards who is not getting in.

I have followed the rules, and to tell you the truth, I have been far more welcomed, by those labeled, uncouth. When I was hungry, they fed me and oh, so much more, they made sure I was safe, so no one hurt me no more.

The ones who claimed victory, cast me aside, they made me feel shameful, like I needed to hide.

This art stirred for me, what I never would challenge, Wynter captured a theme, of faith exacting revenge.

Forgiveness is granted like a seasonal pass, taken swiftly away, if you step on the grass, or just stepped out of line, but who is watching the watchers?

They're moving the lines, like a lunatic stalker.

The rules once meant for direction and guidance, now a weapon they use, to keep you compliant. And shame is the tool that they choose to use most, no grace given here, from the religious host.

They claim power from above, through the gifted holy ghost, but then tie his hands up, from helping who needs it most.

I can't take away from the ones really trying, like you and myself, humbly testing and applying. Learning from the mistakes that we all tend to make, doing our best to get through the occasional heartache.

Cause life's gonna throw em', those hard-hitting curve balls. sprawling our darkness for display on its walls. But we just keep on trying, that's the cool thing about hope. You have to believe in yourself, keep hanging on to that rope.

And the questions about faith and the almighty above, if you've ever felt accepted and slathered in love, then what more do you need, a billboard on the highway? To realize you're the masterpiece, made with potter's clay.

Ask the questions that scare you, or just piss you off, you use a map on the drive, if you think that you're lost. Don't get caught up in the right or the wrong. You were designed with a purpose, to sing your own beautiful song.

So, sing - dammit, sing, like no-one is listening, or maybe they are and you're the answer they're missing!

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This painting was created by my youngest, Wynter. She is a gifted artist, and a seeker of the answers. I hope you appreciate her work and the feeling it stirred in me to write this poem. Thank you for your time.

Wynter works selling commissions. If you would like art made, let me know and I can direct you to Instagram and the blogs displaying more of her work. Wynter will be attending grad school in Syracuse, NY this fall.

I could NOT be more proud!