REFLECTION

A corrupted tree bears poison fruit,
Let me refuse that tainted bid,
For knowledge offers a treacherous way:
Snares in brightness, hid.

Tortuous writhings-- twisted parts,
Oh, help me to ignore--
That I might find the Path instead
That my Shepherd tread, before.

Decline my intents, that I might find the One
Who formed and offered all;
Let me choose the living fount--
Let me heed that call,

For I am but a mortal thing
Of mud my substance-- frail,
Yet Father fills me with bright fountains;
Oh, let his torrential truth prevail!

Heaven's kindness, such holy tears,
Showers of love and light--
Love cascades to fill my brokenness,
And joy dispels my night.

Not the Deceiver's gloom, that Kingdom,
Nor formed by fallen hands--
But lifted from glory unto glory
The Word that ever stands.

This surging passage, yes, sometimes brings pain,
As dross is purged away--
And yet that holy light divine
Helps me to obey--

My filth exchanged for holiness,
My will changed to God's own--
Through Death's shadow, following:
Everlasting mercies, shown.

To bow, yet lift my heart to him,
To submit in the Potter's hand--
To destroy this husk, that light might fill,
To answer the quiet command--

For this heart of flesh made a holy temple,
My will, an offering crucified-- unbound--
For the One who bequeathed forgiveness,
And whose everlasting springs resound.


--Abby Elizabeth Charland

                                   
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 --The Words of Jesus Christ
From the Gospel according to John, verse 14