I must say
it's quite insane
that I derive my pleasure
from pain.
I bear this burdening, unwashed stain.
What must I do to be saved?
My brother says
his firm worldview
is to cheat the ones
who are cheating, too.
But his brand of spite is nothing new.
What must he do to be saved?
My sister won't ever tell
that a man broke her nose
and heart, as well,
driving her to a shameful shell.
What must she do to be saved?
A day without rain
is my mother's goal,
for her highest hopes
have circled the bowl.
The years and tears have taken a toll.
What must she do to be saved?
I climb this tree
in the midst of night,
and see this Teacher
by campfire light.
Then His voice bids me come,
saying He knows what
I need saving from.
You must say
it's quite insane
to rest my soul
on Another's name;
to be a man grown yet born again.
So,
what must you do to be saved?
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2 comments:
Gary, this is magnificent. That's a word I don't use lightly; actually, I don't use it at all that I can think of, so I'll have to look it up. It's what came though. Your fluency with language to deliver the message is indeed "impressive to the mind and spirit" (one of the meanings of magnificent). I especially like the section "I climb this tree.." and then the final verse, but all beautifully lead up to it. That salvation involves a need that goes deeper than just our actions; i.e. "pleasure", "worldview","won't ever tell/shameful shell", "highest hopes", and that Jesus calls us to that salvation that takes away the stain, changes the worldview, releases from shame, and gives hope in hopelessness is gently yet challengingly expressed. May we all climb that tree and look for such a Savior in Christ!
Gary, brother, this was beautiful. I like this one, because reading it - from somewhere far away and not having had a firm embrace from you old man for a long while - I still hear your voice, resting on certain words and flowing through others to really make the poem's rhythm come alive. I agree with Karen: the poem is shaped well to culminate in the last two stanzas, which are simple but powerful. I like it, and I miss you.
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