Proving Grounds

These are the proving grounds
Where we lay down our pride, our haste, our shame.
We dropped them one by one as we walked through the tunnel
Of pale, tempered light until it ricocheted
Into brilliant sun,
Into this arena with no gates, no beasts,
No mockers from the stands.

The formulaic assembly with whom you entered dissipate
And it is you, just you
Because the hands that held you, held each other
Have found their callings;
They know they are as fossils not yet aged to their future glory
And you can rest assured that those who didn't make it
Will reach their summits someday.

You were torn to pieces to arrive
Your slivered veins still reflect vermilion in the light
You were beaten, whipped, and shackled,
Betrayal became expected and you found no refuge from pain
But you find that your lips still bless the Giver And The Taker
For that mercy so severe, so unwanted
That brought you here

Brought you to the place
Where only the divine can animate the dead
Where freedom will not be found in love or success
But rather in truth.
And the heavy yoke you carried so long
Will be yours no longer.
Yes, these are the grounds where you need not prove anything at all.