The heart that beats

Whichever way we look at it
           our lives begin with a scar
when we are cut free
           from our mothers
and must henceforth
           fend for ourselves
and in the course of our lives
           many of us accrue other scars

From the darkness of the womb
           we go out into the light
and we take hesitant steps
           until we find ourselves
The brightness at the heart
           of this painting emanates
from the primary colours
           and they represent the joy
I am experiencing
           at this stage of my existence

The surface of the canvas
           bears the evidence of scars
and there are areas
           shrouded in darkness
but at its heart
           what shines forth
is the affirmative light
           and a love of life

John Lyons