The Beasts of the Crack

At first, it was just a crack -
	a small fissure between blocks -
	but even the smallest opening
		invited them in.

I laid traps near the crack,
	minimizing the incursion,
	killing the beasts
		and living free.

I covered the crack,
	filled it with putty and concrete,
	but over time and under assault
		the opening reappeared.

Forgotten - willfully or not, I can not say - 
	the incursions continued
	eventually turning the beasts
		into comfortable guests.

At some point - I don’t recall when -
	the beasts entered by a side window
	which I had left unlocked
		and was forgotten.

Their population grew,
	their presence more prolific,
	soon the unwanted guests
		became my companions.

The windows, now wide open, 
	and the back door unlocked
	I stopped seeing them
		as they were.

Colonies and nests thrived
	in rooms and hallways,
	often in plain sight,
		through the house.

At times I cleared them out,
	realizing what they were,
	disgusted with their filth
		found everywhere.

But the evacuations never lasted -
	the house was empty
	the windows left opened
		and the doors ajar.

More would return
	overrunning the house
	as I became the tenant
		to the new owners.

They held the key
	as I asked permission
	to come and go
		in my former house.

Eventually, they found my car,
	only riding at first,
	but over time
		they took the wheel.

I lost my ownership
	to the beasts of the crack
	who infested my home
		and controlled my path.

Nothing left clean,
	nothing was mine,
	now all afflicted
		for ill.

Until one day,
	with the sun shining brightly
	and the crisp clouds
		frozen in beauty…

Until that most beautiful day
	under numb spirit,
	I drove them
		to their destination.

My life will never be the same.
	They took me
	from my friends and work
		forever.

But it was not they who drove,
	it was I,
	filled with their nature
		fulfilling their desire.

Three nights my savior laid in Sheol.
	Three nights Jonah slept in the fish.
	Three nights I slept
		in jail.

On the fourth day,
	my savior lived,
	Jonah went to Nineveh,
		and I…

Lord, clean my car of their presence,
	fumigate my home,
	close the doors and windows,
		build a new foundation.

Be the cornerstone
	and firm foundation.
	Build me anew on the rock
		immovable.

Protect me from further incursions
	and infestations.
	Clean my heart and soul
		for good.

Lead me down new paths,
	redeem the old,
	and welcome me
		into your arms.

As David was a man after your own heart,
	and Saul became Paul,
	make me acceptable
		in your sight.