survival art

“A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”  Ps 51:17b
 
sometimes it takes a mountaintop
to lead you to the fountain tap
where you can find a season of sweet rest
sometimes it takes a river bend
to save you from a sharp, swift end
whose swirling waters plot your final test

to know the nous of morning light
your spirit must endure the night
tho treacherous assaults oppress your soul
when dazed you fall upon the shore
the oceandepths own you no more
nor giant waves extract from you more toll

the bruises of a broken heart
may teach you new survival art
the tears you shed may wash away your grief
the flames that blister hands and feet
may help you find urgent retreat
lest your sojourn upon the earth be brief

a sacrifice of selfish greed
so hungry strangers you might feed
secures your own abundance in the end
a broken and a contrite heart
will not God’s mercy render short
no obstacle such faith will not transcend

© Copyright 2019 November 30
by Clyve A. Bowen♫