Tempered in The Flames (Poetry)

It’s not like being in a cage, standing here on this stage, but there is a struggle.
It’s like I’m trying & climbing through a pile of rubble.

I’m not standing here in fear, as it may or may not appear,
But there is a pressure to disappear, to go back to my seat, without uttering a peep.

I want to be here and share my story.
I enjoy it and am completely grateful, don’t worry.

This is the test. Can I handle the stress of exposing my core, what’s in my chest.
Thankful the Lord is where I always find my rest.

Tempering me in the coals, preparing me to be able to fulfill His goals.
Iron sharpens iron while fire purifies gold.

I never truly realized just how full of emotion, all this internal commotion, like a train
heading off the rails,
But I’m the conductor, not an along-for-the-ride kind of sucker.

As I turn up this furnace, I’ll just let the words I write down burn us.
No ill intentions, as I rhythmically mention, that I’m so glad to bring this to attention.

Coping and adjusting my perspective, learning about myself like I’m a detective,
But no one knows better than my creator, so it’s on His grace I charge my labor.

I have to remember to breathe.

Let some of this internal pressure relieve.
It’s not a race, well it is in my brain, so I need focus and a little restrain, so the words don’t
try to come out like the pouring rain, or water rushing down the drain.

This is my form of expression, of a God taught lesson.
I want to be able to speak clearly, as I reveal what I hold so dearly.
So people can understand all the passion that is blast’n, just beneath the surface, and spoken with a purpose.

No back stepping or retreating, despite any internal bleeding.
My tactic is to attack it, because Jesus already won until this selfishness is gone.
To beat this pride into submission.
Even if its in a ring & a fight for the rest of my life. I’m staying true to God’s mission

I know where my help comes from, it comes from the Lord with love, from on high above.
I ask Him everyday, it’s one of my favorite psalms, so allow me to say.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thought. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.