Facing Fire

Sometimes I'm a slapped stick
and the joke's on me,
but I trust in the last and lasting laughter.
Love is weaponized against me,
for anything naked of context seems perverse.
They strip love until it's a fireball
to burn the world in passion without kindness.
The world knows naught but flames
and burns me for arson I did not commit.

What hope is more than forgiveness and justice?
How do I fill needs under siege?
I bend in wearied igloos,
melting alone and cold.
I hold to warm wings over my head
for strength.
He is the Son
written across the sky.

Loose the war and come in justice, O God,
for my body is dusting form such berating.
Let joy be my bones for Your name.
Draw me to Your side and lift me in Your armor,
so that I may burn bright on their stakes.
Dry me of wearied world weight
and let my light return to Flame its love.
Dissolve my heart's ridicule,
cling me to the fuel of my persecution.
Return my mocked body to fearful rest
under Your might.
Rest my soul in Your bosom.
Catch the world anew in true fire;
fill with love and justice;
brimmed with evil's bane
and a Father's forgiveness.
please come and light our home soon.






Thanks to Barbara for this Saturday's inspiration, "Struggling Christian."