Exclusion
I suppose we can say, if nothing else will do,
that all things have a measure, some accounted span,
that limits make the the thing and keep its focus true,
that all things spread their being in just the ways they can.
Yet still it seems absurd, improper, even rude,
that we, like some strange gods, with reason hold full sway,
yet with a sword-kept Eden, the world dares exclude
such as us from endless life, imposing a final day.
We stamp our feet, demand the Manager give His time,
insist that we are deserving, our merit known to all,
weep at the unfairness, in anger scream and rant,
and are firmly turned away, no matter how sublime.
We feel, deep inside, that immortal regions call,
but no matter -- we try to evade death, and we can't.
Stranger in This World
God is found in a thousand clues,
lure and ruse,
through mists and in tides,
hints preparing for good news.
The sea upon the rocks may crash and foam
but I am unencumbered by their rage,
and though I stood alone,
as the world may think alone,
with God's help I will conquer this and every age.
Every thought that does not follow
the world's staff like foolish sheep,
every prayer that I make that it will never hear,
is a wall against the sea,
is a battle's victory;
though the wind may blow,
the waters fall in sheets,
yet nothing shall I fear,
for nothing need I fear,
and I need never fall to dark defeat.
As moonlight falls around us
like a darker shade of pale,
a white found in the night
when the stars the heavens sail,
as breezes softly murmur beneath the vestments white
of a moon that ever wanders,
but never falters with its light,
I think a little hope is merited;
in all that we have inherited,
the little things that matter
are the things that conquer most.
The sea upon the rocks may crash and foam,
but always am I safe at home,
for if I hold my homeland in my heart,
no one can my inside-myself from my possession part.
A pilgrim in the world,
a seashell on my staff,
at frowning faces of the world
I am free to laugh;
and if the storms that stir the world
rise against me in a gale,
yet, though I may be weak,
I know I will prevail;
there is a promise given
that withstands the gates of hell.
And you, yes, you, can have all the worldly things you sought,
for I will cast them all aside to see the face of God.
