"Reaching to the neck"

(A reflection on Isaiah 8,
Composed February 28, 2010).

Strolling beside gentle stream
Relaxing grassy banks
Warmth of sunshine overhead
Cricket humming thanks

Peal of thunder jolts the air
Electric tensions blaze
Oppressive clouds furiously race
Sky stained inky haze

Rain pours, pelting face
River rushing flood
Running, seeking higher ground
Plunged into mud

Murky water to the knee
Rising tides wreck
Waist, chest, shoulder deep
Reaching to the neck

Treading water 'neath the rush
Gasping for the air
Darkness below, black above
Dizzy, tumbling scare

No branches lend their aid
Nor smooth shore
No lifeboats or rescuers come
Nor stroke of oar

Weary, losing any strength
Torrential stirring
Merciless rain choking breath
All vision blurring

Aching with no end in sight
Branches entangle
Complete, utter despondency
Suffocate, strangle

Closing in as the blade
Guillotine gleaming
When tapestry torn asunder
Brilliance streaming

Amidst the storm, clouds part
Veil's lifted
Glorious beams of light
Radiance gifted

Stars above, soul below
Heavens illuminate
Resplendent hope arrayed
Never comes too late

Reflecting off the very waters
That would drown
Now become heaven's mirror
Everlasting renown

"Faithful"

(Meditating on the Exodus,
Composed February 18, 2010).

Egyptian masters at their heels,
Nearing the edge of possibility,
The Israelites are critically cornered,
Cowering before the sea,
'Til the Lord parts the waters,
Sets His people free.

True to His promises
His word will endure

Entrenched, enslaved to sin was I,
Chasm 'tween us was so wide,
Nothing I could do to escape,
Chained to my rebellious pride,
'Til the Lord comes to earth,
Rescues and purifies His bride.

The Lord is faithful
His love is sure

In the desert Israel did cry,
No sustenance to be found,
Grumbling against the great I AM,
Raising a rebellious sound,
'Til the Lord opens heaven,
Bestows manna on the ground.

True to His promises
His word will endure

Even now in my great need
Before Your feet I humbly kneel,
Overwhelmed and terrified,
Such pain and fear I feel,
'Til You gently comfort me,
My weary soul You tenderly heal.

The Lord is faithful
His love is sure

Oh true to Your promises
Your word will endure
Lord, You are faithful
Your love is sure

"Falling back"

(Composed November 9, 2009).

Springing ahead is tough,
But how I love falling back!
Still the days grow darker,
Leaving work as the sun sets,
Afternoons as black as midnight.
Unlock the door; turn on the light.
Darkness is but the absence of light,
For darkness alone cannot overcome
The glimmer of a single flame,
The blaze of a roaring fire,
The brilliance of the noonday sun,
The glory of the risen Lord.
Darkness may last for the night,
But hope longs for the first ray,
Seeks, clings to the promise:
The coming of a new day!