Prelude to Victory (The Struggle)

formidable foe

familiar enemy
with subtle approach
i should recognize

past battles
leave me limp
yet the war seems to
empower him

wars inside
unseen, unknown
dragging me
to depths despised

emotional free-fall
clawing for grip
emotional free for all
desperate for truth

i stand toe to toe 
with Doubt
and i...
i flinch first

...to bestow on [her] a crown of beauty instead of ashes, 

the oil of gladness instead of mourning, 

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. 

[She] will be called an oak of righteousness, 

a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. 

- Isaiah 61:3