Reflections in the Wilderness

by Kim Butler

REFLECTIONS IN THE WILDERNESS

Invited into the wilderness,

I found a mirror,

revealing pain from the past. 

Scars given and self-inflicted 

wounds staring back 

gave answers I sought. 

I reflected in the wilderness,

searching my soul

for any map out.

Deep lines carved into my face,

reminders of barren years

leading to dead ends. 

Thorns and thistles 

hid any beauty 

beyond the shallow image.  

Tired, thirsty, and discouraged,

not knowing the way,

desperate for direction.

Then, wind blew,

and ripples bent 

the surface of the glass. 

My eyes moved with the water,

and I breathed deeply 

of fresh flowering fields, 

ferns dancing on distant riverbanks. 

I was dying 

in the valley of the shadow

because I was looking for me, 

yet the promised land 

surrounded me.

Renewed focus birthed

a spring of peace. 

These waters of life 

were inviting me 

to restoring rest. 

A baptism needed

in a secret place, 

preparation for the mysterious 

mountain of spices ahead.

KIM BUTLER

Kim writes poems to meet you where you are and remind you that you are not alone.

For years, she has been a coach to creatives and is now learning to own the creative within herself. Through a series of unexpected events, she stumbled into writing poetry, and it captured her heart.

When she is not at work or writing, you can find her at Chick-fil-a, a Braves game, or spending time with her family and friends. She loves Jesus, people, and Diet Dr. Pepper.

You can find her on Instagram and Substack.

Instagram: @kim.d.butler

Substack: https://kimdbutler.substack.com