Often the crowds of loneliness stayed,
in hearts where hope and hurt have played.

Regret puts on a blissful face
To hide the pain of empty space.

Hearts that beat so far away
Long for each at dawning day.

Thoughts of past and fears to come.
Crush so many but harden some.

Hidden in vanity and masked by smiles, 
Spoken in minutes the tears of miles.

Mercy opens guarded doors, 
Prayers hit ceilings, faces hit floors.

Rescued and ransomed by constant ache, 
Peace returns after heart’s break.

Redeemed by one who brought heaven here, 
Perfect love has cast out fear.

-Tom Wise