As I try to deal with pain and hurt
in my own life
I am reminded of a comment made
by a neighbour of mine, Frances:
“We are the walking wounded.”

I look at all of the people
who surround me
and I am conscious
that every single one of them
is emotionally scarred by life.

We are all so much more fragile
than we care to believe
and when it comes to hiding our true selves
from other people
many of us give Oscar-worthy performances
every day of our lives.

What would we see
if the true selves behind the brave faces
were unveiled?

Would we see people struggling bravely each day,
crippled by raw wounds
that are the result
of unkindness, hatred,
envy, cruelty, grief
of maybe sheer thoughtlessness?
Would we see
that deep down,
at the centre of our being,
each of us yearns to be loved
simply for being ourselves?

I think of the walking wounded
and I remember
that life is easy for no-one,
regardless of how happy,
confident or self-assured
they may appear to be.
I think of the walking wounded
and my eyes are turned away
from my own pain and suffering
to the deeper wounds of others.

I think of the walking wounded
and I begin to see humanity
through the eyes of My God.

© Claire Murray