Canvas

I painted my own canvas,

filled it with glossy radiant hues.

I covered the darkness,

and smothered the ugly truths.

But when the time came

to show off my final piece,

no one cared for the foolish fakery

or dire arsonist deceit.

‘Wait, I’m truth, I’m telling you please!

Don’t leave me here – all alone,

in the smoke and ashes

of the worst devastation I’ve ever known.’ 

I created my own storm.

The paint now bleeding in the pouring rain.

Colours ran down my canvas, the brightness fading away

in a swirling mess.

And I watch as it splashed down into a puddle at my feet, the dulled shimmer mocking me.

My darkness and ugliness

were all that was left.

Exposed.

‘O Allah relieve me of this burden, help me get out and be free!’

I held the empty canvas in my hands, my eyes welling, tear drops falling

One by one

Onto the darkness before me.

One by one

they travelled down,

small silver streaks forming.

It was … sparkling, it was magnificent, beautiful!

I smiled shyly

at the humble masterpiece before me,

the pain melting away.

I will cry my tired eyes dry,

until my canvas was not glossy or shimmered –

but pure silver. True and bright. Light and right.

‘Praise the Divine!’

He saved my soul, my loves, my home.

My life can flourish now, in peaceful artistic tones.

And I won’t ever again paint a single stroke.

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How many of us try to cover up our true flawed selves in attempt to impress others, to deny ourselves our humanity, to pretend we are picture perfect, when no one can ever be? Don’t try and hide your flaws and mistakes with defense and anger. It doesn’t get you anywhere; instead, it only damages you, and those surrounding you. But, once you start to accept yourself, even your dark side, own your mistakes, see your flaws for what they are, believe me, that’s how your true colours can shine. Call upon your Lord for help, cry to Him. He’s always there for you. It is out of our own pain and hurt and submission to Allah that our humanness is found, our true canvas. Then people can see and accept all of you too 🙂