My soul wants to cry for aid
under a lowering sky.
But that's not how this game is played,
for I am marked to die.
The boon of palliative care
was never meant for me;
and it's in no way unfair
because now, on bended knee
I can behold in full a gentle Grace;
pain's opened divinity's door
and gave me glimpse of smiling Face;
how could I ask for more?
The clouds may be so grey above,
but over them, shines Holy Love.
under a lowering sky.
But that's not how this game is played,
for I am marked to die.
The boon of palliative care
was never meant for me;
and it's in no way unfair
because now, on bended knee
I can behold in full a gentle Grace;
pain's opened divinity's door
and gave me glimpse of smiling Face;
how could I ask for more?
The clouds may be so grey above,
but over them, shines Holy Love.
Music from the Electric Light Orchestra, with perhaps their loveliest song, Can't Get It Out Of My Head.
Thanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback soon.
Friends are everything. I couldn't have done it.
Marley, the canine waif from Afghanistan, whom WE helped save, has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe last two lines remind me of a verse in an Oswald Chambers devotional from Nahum 1:3 "The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave {the guilty} unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet." Clouds are a reminder of His presence. May the Lord bless and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace.
Vicki, thank you so much for the reference...to have anything I wrote mentioned along with Oswald Chambers, wow! I am so honoured!
DeleteHis Face is indeed shining, and I am at peace.
Your life and dying have a profound influence on me. Just want you to know that friend. xo
ReplyDeleteSusan, I so appreciate this. It's a hard day here, and your words brought light. XOXOXO
DeletePretty much everything I wanted to say involved the word "Breathtaking" and pretty much exactly (EXACTLY) what Susan said... So... sending love and feeling, (once again) forever altered...
ReplyDeleteMisty, wow...I'm honoured, and humbled. Thank you.
DeleteThis poem is BEAUTIFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jan!
DeleteBeautiful, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThans, Anita!
DeleteThat is a beautiful poem!
ReplyDelete(and I like ELO, too.)
Margaret, I'm so glad you lied the poem...and the music!
DeleteBeautiful words.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jeannie. I truly appreciate this.
DeleteThe most beautiful words are crafted out of the deepest pain and the darkest of nights. You are glowing Andrew!
ReplyDeleteMary, wow...thanks!
DeleteWhat beautiful words!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked this, TaMara.
DeleteEvery post you share is a gift.
ReplyDeleteAnnie in Texas
As your presence here is a gift, ((((((Annie!)))))) !
DeletePraise God for His love!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, Angela. All Praise to Him!
DeleteSuch a beautiful poem! Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteDana, thank you for this, and especially for your prayers.
DeleteThis is poem is such a blessing. If I may, I'd like to share this with our women's study group next week. We will pray for you.
ReplyDeleteBeth, thank you! And absolutey, please use it and pass it on.
Delete"The clouds may be so grey above, but over them, shines holy Love." I will remember this when my circumstances seem gloomy. I am praying for you and Barb. - Jolene
ReplyDeleteJolene, I am so glad this gave you something to remember, and to use. Thank you so much for your prayers!
DeleteOh, Andrew, what a beautiful poem!The song is beautiful, too. May God wrap His love arms of love and peace around you and Barb and hold you close. Love and hugs to you both! xo
ReplyDeleteGayl, thank you so much for this. Love and hugs back! XOXOXO
DeleteThis is mind-blowingly beautiful, Andrew! I'm assuming these are your words, right? But it makes total sense that as you face death, beauty rises up from the heartbreak and ashes of grief and pain. Thank you for sharing and know that you are loved and appreciated by so many! Your words inspire us to live better, more caring lives, my friend! Praying!
ReplyDeleteBeth, than you...and yes, these are my words.
DeleteAs beauty writ large came from the scourging and the Via Doloroa and the Cross and the Tomb and the Rising, so it comes writ smaller in our lives...but no less lovely...when we face death and pain hand in Hand with God.
Thank you so much for being here, and for your prayers.
Marie, your words here mean more than I can say. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and very touching, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDelete