Christianity Oasis Forum

[RainaSkye]

As I stand here looking up into the sky, the darkness floods in fast and strong. It rages, crashes, and resounds all around me. The darkness lingers there, glaring at me, mocking me, laughing and taunting me. It roars down like a lion, crashing into me like the midnight train. Pain radiates through my body, trying to move on. My knees buckle, clutching at my heart, I fall down and hit the ground. Hot tears burn my face, I scramble trying to get to my feet again. The pain is overwhelming me, tearing at me, paralyzing me. Something is out there. It's lurking all around me. Who's there? What do you want? It's not alone now. There are more of them. What's going on? I need to get out of here! I try to get to my feet and run but the blinding pain sears through my veins. They close in on me, raising their weapons. Ear piercing screams erupt and their weapons rain down on me. Each blow cuts into me, erupting in me like fire. They are relentless and attack me as though their very life depends upon my destruction. My vision blurs, I lay there motionless. I know they're still attacking me because I can hear their screeching, malevolent laughter. I'm fading into nothing, detaching from my body, and disappearing. No one can touch me here, and I had long since given up that it would be any other way. The darkness pulls away and hungrily longs to finish the job and consume her completely. They stare at her mauled body, bloodthirsty, like thieves of the night, awaiting for orders to strike again. Weak at heart, no longer fighting to remain in control, she lays there almost lifelessly. The deafening scream of attack resounds, eyes grow wide, and a sole tear streams down her face...

[dema]

Again she stands, and attempts to walk forward. Is there light ahead? Did she hear the sound of a loving voice? Her legs hold her, her wounds fade, the flow of blood ceases. She steps forward. And again there is assault. Screams and cries, are they her own? Or the awful screeches of her attackers? Again she falls. The pain is unbearable. Tears flow like rain. She is soaked in blood and tears, her hair no glory.

Her breath slows. Her wounds are not as deep this time. There are more tears than blood. She rises yet again. She steps, and the monsters leap. Another assault. But she faces them, sees them, and they shrink back for an instant. For more than an instant. And the fear, memories of past pain, the cries of a lost child, scream from her heart. Is the beast within or without? What does she face? What can she face? How can she stand before the fangs and the yellow eyes, the cold yellow eyes that feel no mercy?

Again she falls. Again blood and tears and echoes of screams.

It is definitely dawn. There is light - the hills and trees are dark against the gray sky. Light is coming. She turns towards the light. Her head is high. Her chest is proud. Her fists are clinched as she takes one step and another. Each step brings healing and strength. The tangles and briars fall from her hair. A little farther this time. Farther before the teeth, claws and yellow eyes appear. She faces them longer. Several creatures turn and run into the night. She puts up her hand and blocks a snarling, howling thing. When she again lies, panting, catching her breath, in a vile pool on the ground, she knows that she is conquering. There is no doubt that she is covering miles. She hears the sounds of heavenly voices - and realizes they have been there, cheering, protecting, ensuring that destruction is not complete. How can they let her suffer so? Tears poor as she contemplates this. How can they let her suffer so?

And yet, the knowledge of their presence; the sound of heavenly voices whispering, confering and singing to her, singing encouragement and hope. Hope. The sound of hope. Hasn't she known it was there? Hope. Always there, hidden under violence and lies and pain - but she had known it was there. She has always known.

Hope, glowing with its own light. Visible now. Lighting her path. Making the monsters seem smaller, their teeth less sharp. Growing her taller against their shrinking forms.

How many times will she fall in pain and tears? How long will the journey be from this valley cloaked in the shadow of death? How long until light streams into her reddened eyes?

Hope. Another step and another. One more. A demon flees. Another step. She blocks a screaming creature of the night and he falls away into the darkness. And yet another step. Forward, into the shadows that are less shadowy. Seeking the light that hope proclaims.

[Dora]

Both are beautifully spoken.

[RainaSkye]

that was beautiful dema...

[just10]

Amazing reads from both of you!