I tried to call you yesterday,
a prayer or two,
just like today;
but you’re not home.
I forgot you moved away,
you left no number,
and no address,
to find you.
I have your memory,
I do remember,
your face, your smile;
its not enough.
If only I could call you,
I wouldn’t cry,
and my soul,
would be okay.
Instead, I write to tell you,
I prayed, that I could find you,
but you will never know;
I only write for others now.
~FS
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my home,
the loss of wood and glass.
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my wealth,
my false securities.
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my voice,
the loss of empty pride.
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my hope,
I’ll place my hope in Thee.
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my faith,
I’ll call Your Faith to me.
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my love,
I’ll let Your Love fill me.
Be still my heart, and see—
what is it if they take my life,
I’ll give my life to Thee.
Be still my heart, and see!
~FS
It is better to speak quietly from the heart sincerely, and face the wrath of others, than it is to speak a lie to please, and be loudly applauded.
Better that unpleasantness assault us from without, than self-deception erode us from within.
Better to be accused by others for one’s convictions, than to be convicted by one’s own conscience.
Better to be silent against rage, than to rage against silence; and to hold one’s tongue before they cut it out.
Better to defend truth and face discomfort, than promote deception and enjoy comfort.
Better to listen, than to speak; and to speak after you’ve heard.
Better to bow humbly in obedience before God, than to stand proudly on parade before men.
~FS
I feel this world is pushing me,
pressing me to move on,
move on, just move on.
I need to stop and breathe.
They say they’ve made a better way,
newer means to move us all along,
moving strong, and moving on.
We need to stop and breathe.
You’re still the air I breathe,
be still, my soul, and see.
There is no other air to breathe,
Holy Spirit dwell in me.
I see the world is losing you,
we’re losing you, we’re lost,
step back, we’re losing you.
Clear! We need to breathe.
Our fear is closing every door,
does anyone believe,
faith, can anyone believe?
Only trust in God, and breathe.
You’re still the air I breathe,
be still, my soul, and see.
There is no other air to breathe,
Holy Spirit dwell in me.
~FS
We are watchmen of an epoch,
keepers of the moment.
This time is entrusted unto us.
While yesterday sleeps,
tomorrow is yet to awaken.
For now, the sun shines on you.
Out of an endless deep…
we emerge, briefly:
and then are engulfed again.
But sleeping eyes will watch and see,
for you are not about today, alone—
We are about, forever.
~FS
Death is an open wound—
but one where wildflowers bloom.
Friendship wills its memories—
our summer’s laughter on the breeze.
And our footfalls falling—
upon the earth.
Faint echoes fading—
of our mirth?
No, there are wildflowers in her hair—
and they’re pretty and so lovely.
Yes, there’s beauty everywhere—
she walked and where she bloomed.
~FS
Mad, beautiful world:
you make me scream,
weep, then laugh.
And repeat; repeat…
My childhood,
before I knew this world,
was like a deep dream:
so sweet and untroubled.
This life is a beautiful face:
riddled with hidden cancers.
It is wine mingled with vinegar.
We are embraced here in the arms of love:
therein we wither and we die.
Every moment is suffused with magnificence:
and destined for decay.
Beauty soothes the torment:
as death devours the joy.
Hope. Hope. We must end:
with hope!
Yes, there is a savior:
silent and hidden from view.
Dimly, we see that glimmer of hope:
which mocks our infirmities.
But for now we are left here:
wandering this garden of terrors.
Leave me take me leave me:
one more day on this cruel beauty.
Today or not today:
take me or leave me.
Exiled in the sweet smelling thorns.
~FS
Lord, have mercy upon your servant,
for my freedom has become an offense to others,
and my breath, like a foul-stench;
though I have done nothing wrong,
and my lips have uttered truth.
I would walk under the shelter of your wing,
yours alone, Oh Lord!
But they would have me hide,
shut-up inside the citadel of their fears;
free me from cowering eyes, intent on lies.
Protect me from their accusing tongues,
shield me from their self-righteous accusations,
for I live for you alone, Oh Lord!
In you, I place my hope,
and I will not hide from the power of your Love.
Though others may lose heart, and faint in the midst of life,
I will not fear this life, for I put my trust in You.
Give me courage and wisdom to continue,
keep my path straight and guide my feet,
Grant your servant freedom in life and in death, my God.
~FS
For those of us who love the well-worn paths,
Who congregate under the familiar light.
Let’s make haste into a starless night~
Take flight! Fear not!
We’ll tread across the wild places,
Thrilling our soles with new sensations,
We’ll find our souls within us;
As we blaze the new-found trails.
Discoveries array before us;
For we who do cross the veil.
~FS
I’m not certain how it is that you became my mother and my father. (I’ve had those already.)
Or when it was you adopted me. (I didn’t ask you to.)
Or why you took me under your dark wing.
Should I thank you for your protection?
What do you get from this?
Your wide embrace, has gathered us to you like little chicks;
and you hold us closely.
So tightly.
So thank you,
but your concern for me is killing me.
I’d rather not.
I am admonished.
You have chastised my wanton freedoms~
To wander, to breathe,
to cherish my loves,
as one in love with life,
and with my fellow chicks!
But you’ve set my brothers against me.
What a cruel mother hen you are,
in your love for us.
But are we your children, or your pets?
How do you see us?
Truly?
“Stay! Wear this muzzle! Don’t go there, bad dogs!
I’m doing this for your safety, trust me.
Do this for your safety!
I love you.”
Well,
thank you, oh so much.
But please, release me from your smothering love.
Exercise your tender mercies,
on some other poor creatures.
Or better, towards yourself alone.
And let me live now, freely, until I die.
~FS
