daily i die

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
—Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
 
i dare to be a man
          and if you dare to challenge me
                    bring on the best you can
no cowardice can stand
          against the virtuosity
                    of him whose righteous hand
scatters the wayward sand
          and gathers wisdom from the sea
                    to cool the thirsty land
 
the wisdom of the earth
          is foolishness to Him whose love
                    gives fallen man new birth
i measure not my worth
          by sentiments the wise approves
                    nor do i gather mirth
of idleness that flirts
          with those whom time cannot reprove
                    in spite of mercy’s girth
 
my life is not my own
          daily i die that i might live
                    and must i stand alone
when all my friends are gone
          the best of me will i yet give
                    till all my seeds are sown
the long night pales the dawn
          but morn exiles the negative
                    as grace for sin atones
 
© Copyright 2019 October 22
by Clyve A. Bowen♫