A Shadow That Stays

I tell myself, "Don’t be sad anymore,"

But sorrow lingers, just like before.

Depression and hardship, they follow so near,

A shadow that stays, year after year.

No matter how far, no matter how fast,

They whisper, "You'll never outgrow your past."

And now I wonder, as tears collide,

Will they leave me only when I’ve died?

I feel like I’ve failed, like I’ve lost my way,

Maybe my Lord has turned away.

They say His love is vast, so wide,

Like a parent who stays by their child’s side.

But why do I feel so lost, so apart?

Why does the doubt weigh down my heart?

I know I'm not perfect, I’ve made mistakes,

But I wish to be the kind He takes.

Not for the world, not for fame,

Not for people who forget my name.

But for the One who never forgets, never leaves,

Who sees my wounds and still believes.

Maybe I’ve failed, maybe I’ve fallen,

But mercy calls, my name is spoken.

And if He still watches, still waits for me,

Then maybe, just maybe… I’m not truly broken.