POTENTIAL, WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?

Potential, what does it really mean? Stored up energy, a light to be seen, Is it the furthest you can go, The farthest we can see, The chance to learn and grow, To be what we can be, I found a hidden crop of people, When I was lost and sad, Saw them keep on going, Felt the potential they all had, I felt the days and months drift on, The friendships forming strong, I saw them struggle and still move on, Sing their souls out in a song, I wanted to find out more about me, The disabilities that I face, I felt I'd found the limits of me, Was alone without a place, My ex girlfriend made me believe in magic, And in the power of the world, But our empty story ended tragically, As the loss and pain unfurled, One thing after another hit, I felt lost beyond my limit, I sunk down low, I didn't fit, And I fell into a pit, It was then I saw the sun and moon, The grass and trees and birds, It was then I saw you all and soon, An Angel's voice was heard, I saw the potential of the world, Melody of earth and sky, I watched the black holes form and swirl, I saw nurture in your eyes, I remembered the promises I'd made myself, The child that hides inside, I made some choices to protect myself, Saw the rising, falling tide, I felt the weight of all I bore, The gods that called my name, Looked my void full on and swore, Feeling it could be tamed, I began to feel a place I loved, A people who I felt at home with, I felt the skies drifting above, And I knew that I could live, The potential every one of you hold, Is like the promise I made myself, No limits here, or so I'm told, As we journey for form and self, I feel myself begin to act, I feel my world begin to change, I feel the joy my days have lacked, As my heart and soul rearrange, The clock tick tocks, The days drift on, And I know not what they'll bring, But with you all, if we sing our songs, Then I'm sure our souls will sing.

IAN McGrath

Read Ian's winning poem.

Ian has published two poetry books and his third titled, 'Angel dust and Spirt Shards' will be out next year. He is very talented.