When Will the Light Return?

I pray,
I ask forgiveness,
but nothing changes.

I ask forgiveness,
but tears continue to fall
and darkness prevails:
When will the light return?

I pray,
I intone the words of the Beloved,
I chant sacred scriptures
and a smile slips onto my lips.

I ask forgiveness,
I feel the Divine Spirit
embrace my soul
and scatter
the unforgiving darkness.

I pray,
I exhale
verses of gratitude and thanksgiving:
The light returns
casting rainbows across my soul.