Today I burn the things which pull me back into the old me.
The shame and guilt I feel for failures past,
Things I know I should have done better,
Things I know I should never have done.
Things I did in anger or selfishness,
Without due thought for others or rightful care.
Things I did in fear or panicked haste,
Without due thought to unforeseen consequences.
Things I did in response to my own nagging doubts and demons,
Without due thought for where they may take or leave me.
I burn the obsessions and preoccupations that refuse to let me grow into the me that you see,
The pattern behaviours and co-dependencies that keep me anchored,
The wounds and tears that I cannot allow to heal,
The scabs I delight in picking off before their time.
The habits and addictions that I hold to from fear and insecurity.
I burn the desires I know are harmful,
The ambitions that persuade me that it’s ok to stand on others,
That allow me to minimise the gifts of others for my gain.
That emerge from greed, pride and competitiveness.
I burn these things and I mark myself with ash,
As a welcome to true vulnerability and humility.
In the ashes there is a new life,
life dependent on love, on simple truth and righteousness.
I commit to this life,
Free from guilt and shame,
Free from anger and fear,
Free from greed and pride.
PICTURA POESIS 