The poem describes a broken vase held together only by pieces, representing a life broken by years of hardship. Though the vase is imperfect with cracks and chips, glimpses of beauty remain among the damage, and dried flowers could still adorn it, helping others pardon its scars. In the end, the pieces have helped preserve what remains by grace alone.

1. Pieces
By: Carole D. Hicks

2. Pieces are all I have
of this broken vase of life.
What once was whole and perfect,
Has been chipped by years of strife.

3. I try with heartfelt fervor
To fit the pieces back.
But when I try to fill the vase,
My hope seeps through the cracks.

4. I wonder if this vessel
should just be tossed aside.
It seems an ugly, useless thing,
That most would want to hide.

5. And yet, a glimpse of character,
even beauty seems to show,
It’s way amidst the cracks and chips,
And gives a lustrous glow.

6. Perhaps some dried up flowers
could adorn this weakened jar.
Then those who look upon it,
Would pardon all the scars.

7. These Pieces, placed imperfectly,
have helped preserve this vase.
Tho’ feeble and unsightly,
This bond is held by Grace.

8. Anyone who belongs
to Christ is a new creation.
Old things are passed away.
All things become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17