I thought this was a very deep and heartfelt piece, well-wriiten and I enjoyed this new poem of yours.

"Pain has been no stranger
At times my only friend
Stroked me gently, broke me down
Convinced I'd never mend"

This stanza really helps the reader feel what is going on and what you are feeling, excellent word choice that immediately draws the reader in.

"Joy has drove it all away
And shown me how to live
It's healing waters cleanse the soul
And teach me to forgive"

I thought this was very unique, saying how pain was always with you then joy came along and changed you. Wonderful descriptions of joy that helped get you back on track.

"Each path I take leads somewhere new
I thought I'd never go
While trapped inside the bitterness
That seems to love me so"

The emotions you are feeling pour out here, and what true words, each path you take does lead somewhere new, whether good or bad.

"Up or down, in or out
I'll walk into tomorrow
Head held high for I survived
Through madness, joy and sorrow "

That's the spirit! Never give up and hold your head high.

5/5 from me, this was a touching poem to read, thanks for posting it for all to read.

Take care and God Bless You!

~MaryAnne

Pain has been no stranger
At times my only friend
Stroked me gently, broke me down
Convinced I'd never mend
^^^
I love your opening Jenn. I think it makes people feel "not so alone" in their feelings. Just knowing that you too "were convinced you'd never mend" but did. Brings hope to those struggling with their own pain.

Joy has drove it all away
And shown me how to live
It's healing waters cleanse the soul
And teach me to forgive
^^^
And here is the hope that I mentioned earlier. Joy came (even though we think it never will) and swept that pain right out the door.

Up or down, in or out
I'll walk into tomorrow
Head held high for I survived
Through madness, joy and sorrow

^^^
Love this ending !!!! No matter how hard it gets, tomorrow is a new day. And "one" of those tomorrows will bring peace within. We just have to keep walking with our head held high and hope in our hearts.

Wonderful challenge poem Jenn. Loved the read ~hugs~

Nicely rhymed with an excellent flow. I love the quiet uplifting tone of rising above adversity and coming our a winner!

I love the catchy rhythm your poems always have. You never force the rhyme and make perfect sense. This piece is thought provoking and raw, real emotion the majority of people can relate to this. Excellent job!

Overall well written and expresses life's lessons very well. The flow is good except in one line.

Joy has drove it all away

I believe the word drove should be driven. Other than that one thing, well done.

I think driven would throw off the flow. Unless you said Joy has driven it away.

I like it just the way it is!

Didn't I read this poem? I have such a bad memory nowadays.

"Joy has drove it all away"
^isn't "drove" supposed to be "driven" ?

I loved the first stanza, I think you do know how to begin your poems, and end them as well..
Great work Jenn :)
Write on!

Congrats on your front page win Jenn, very deserving hun !!!!

Qoshh.!! i love this poem.

This was a really strong & touching!

Head held high for I survived
Through madness, joy and sorrow

MY FAV PART!

This is one of the most beautiful pieces I have everhad the pleasure of reading, wonderful job... your first stanza is great a perfect opener.. keep up the great job 5/5

Boy, after reading all of the comments what could I really say, except absolutely breathtaking!! Timothy r