rubber meets road

if we aren’t living
the words
then either the words
are dead
or untrue
or simply words
or maybe we are

a life journey
implies movement
live where you are
lead where you are
love where you are
and keep following
a path
toward something
a way
of light and lightness
a God
who is in constant motion
our life is the road

God breaks hearts
to open eyes
we see His vision
when He sears our hearts
and jolts us from sleep

so we must constantly
fanatically
pursue perpetual heartbreak
when we mend
we stop feeling
we stop living
and are merely alive

can I relinquish
what I never had?
will I sadly
sentimentally
finger the fading wrapping paper
from a past gift
or run
full-out
after
—with—
the giver?

August 2008

the good shepherd

I waited
beyond patience
to come into my own
distinct
unique voice
instead:
I heard
a shepherd speak
in a voice I’d never heard
yet instantly recognized
one that enveloped me
in security
tenderness
utter nearness
I know His voice
He knows my name
He is mine
and I am His

July 2008