Remorse Is My Enemy

• Scout Simpson-Purdon, Grade 6, Chewton Primary School
• Poetry
• 2018

Excellence Award in the 'Write Along 2018' competition

Remorse is my enemy. However, I am guilty. Regretful. Ashamed.
My faults are only dimmed by hope, and kindness.
One day when I am a better person, my faults may crackle and curl up in flames.
Seen only as the ash of dark secrets, the ash of my past, I await that day.
I still remember the warm sensation of kindness, melting through my shell of fear and black hatred, reaching for my heart with long outstretched fingers.
From there on I made it my mission to love myself and through it love others.
My pain still riddles the cracks in my heart, a reminder, but not a burden.
I still cry, but wipe my tears away with warm hands,
I still worry, but replace my fear with a smile,
I still hurt, but notice and cherish the love around me,
I have learnt that change cannot change itself.
Change can only change if one lets it, so I will change,
And I am still myself, Just a better, happier person.