Fragrant

They catch a whiff on a distant breeze
It carries to them, a memory and a dream
Penetrating the armor at the seams
Breathing deeply, it consumes them

The bouquet is free and freeing
The prisoners raising up find the shackles fall away
Others lift a fist and find their fates sealed
Sealed away in the iron will of self

From above, He sees all, knows all
Tears fall for all who inhale the truth
Tears of joy for those find life
Anguish for all others in their pride

We step in line, strolling into the future
Our sweat and stench now washed away
What's left is the free breath of hope
It's scent imbibes us forevermore

The procession in not full
Spots remain for all
Some will find their spot
Others…choose another path

This poem was inspired by 2 Corinthians 2:14-17.

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? ¹⁷ Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NLT)