Life’s bulls and lions come in forms
So diff’rent for all men,
But blows and teeth that cut us all
Come time and time again.
There seems to be no respite from
The tangling whips of foes,
They rip the heart and tie the feet
Wherever we all go.
Our hearts are like a pool so deep
That time has calmed and stilled,
But often words from foe or friend
This placid life have killed.
From deep abyss their words dredge up
The knowledge we are worm.
These rocky words tossed in life’s pond
The worm in me confirms.
But I’ve been told the God on high
Has chosen me from birth,
And in the womb his hand has formed
A son of his on earth.
But if I’m truly God’s dear one
Down here in dusty land,
Then why does trouble haunt me so
And sneak past holy hand?
I thought his hand was meant to keep
Me safe from evil’s harm,
Instead at night it often seems
I’m held in wicked arms.
And morn’s bright light through glassy panes
My eyes they often greet
With weakened heart from last dark night
That bare’ can move my feet.
I often wish that men before
Had spoken with clear words
About your work within their life,
Your good words that they’d heard.
But muted tongue is no excuse
For how my life has flowed,
For in the end I only, Lord,
I only bear that load.
Lord, help me now to seek for you
Through pleasure and in pain,
And know the love you always give
Through each for me is gain.
And also, Lord, free my mute tongue
To ever sing your praise
To those I know and those to come
A help through darkened days.
This poem is taken from my book A New Song, (Westbow Press, 2016) and can be found online HERE.
