In the dark

in the woods

in the fall

comes a call.

A pitchy buzz

a throaty groan

a shadow beast.

On doubt it feasts.

The teenage girl

the misspent youth

a lonely one

out on the run.

She won’t escape 

the things she’s done

she can’t outrun 

the rising sun.

Surrender spikes

a rousing cheer

whet with hope

devoid of tears.

In near defeat

on bended knee

blind to all she could achieve

she receives,

Through the whisper 

of a falling snow

by grace of God’s

own hand bestowed

a chalice poisoned

with enmity, or 

a future filled with

serenity.

Her trespasses.

Those against her.

A choice to forgive.

Permission to live.

Beyond the past

beyond the sea

beyond the dawn

through the trees.