DESIGNED TO BE BLESSED

By W.J. NAYLOR

I am designed to be blessed

Though my weary feet tread within a forest of shadows.

My callous soles are familiar with winding roads in my hood

That overflow with the stories of survival

Flowing like the sap of an grand oak tree

That rises above the urban terrain.

I am designed to be blessed

Though my eyes are a portrait of private weeping swirling in shades of crimson

As I retrospect upon the pages of my days and decisions tinted with regret

Spectrums of grace color my world with acceptance,

Forgiveness covers me with hues of rainbows.

I am designed to be blessed

Though my hands ache from toil, reaping a harvest of disenfranchisement

Sown from the seeds of historical disadvantage

The steely will from the strength of sharecroppers

Bands me together with cords of hope and limbs of unbending humanity.

I am designed to be blessed

Though my tongue is seasoned by bitterness of struggle and flavored by life’s circumstances

Faith gives form to expressions of clarity, emerging from the echoes of freedom songs,

Melodies of my ancestors pouring forth notes of fire

Blazing a course for spirits unchained, uttering verses of liberty.

I am designed to be blessed

Though my heart has been humbled, I surrender to the unction of love

A key of gold opens platinum gates held fast with silver hinges of wisdom

As conscience awakens me to mutual vulnerability,

I lift every soul that I encounter.

I am designed to be blessed

Though broken wine bottles and jagged crack stems diminish the reflections of greatness

I see even in this living testimonies exists of those who overcome adversity

I will raise my hands in praise to the Heavenly Father of all earthly families

I will erect cities whose walls are charity; whose dwellings are peace

Where the cornerstone is built upon justice.

As my voice mingles with those who pray

And celebrate life’s grandeur in its fullness and wonder

For I am designed to be blessed

…I am designed to be blessed.