I used to be afraid of rainbows I could not embrace the scarlet letter placed upon me by the church I used to be afraid of rainbows Near drowning experiences did not appeal to me I used to be afraid of rainbows Until I found community as a life raft that kept me afloat in the ocean of my own tears I used to be afraid of rainbows Because I could not claim the freedom of authentic love I used to be afraid of rainbows Until I lived into the prism created by the water of my baptism I used to be afraid of rainbows Until the church taught me that rainbows are born of the love and covenant of God. I used to be afraid of rainbows Until the liberating love of Jesus set up home in my soul I used to be afraid of rainbows Now I hide myself with and among them. I used to be afraid of rainbows Until the fore running storm and the subsequent light gave my life color. I used to be afraid of rainbows. Now I fear for a colorless void.