Poems

Where are You, God?

Blog_SnowyWinterNightwhere are you, God
in the midst of the darkness?
we’re crying to you
in this desolate land

war rages around us
we’re searching for answers
to things
we can never understand

where are you, God
do you see our tears falling?
do you hear our prayers
and feel our pain?

the world is in anguish
our children are dying
the clouds of refreshing
withhold their rain

where are you God?
we’re hurting and hopeless
wounded and broken
and in distress

our own neighbors killing
destroying, devouring
can You bring forth beauty
from our hateful mess?

God, you came down
from light into darkness
born in the shadows
of earth’s darkest night

the forces of evil
releasing their fury
swords bent on destruction
consuming all life

you spoke to the madness
with love and compassion
to ears fallen deaf
in a world filled with strife

brought healing, redemption
though you were rejected
crushed by our hate
while releasing your light

and now you are here
in the midst of our suffering
calling to us
“don’t settle for this”

we’re made for much more
than what we’ve accepted
and this world is not
all that there is

so though earth give way
and mountains shall crumble
and all that we’ve trusted
one day will fail

the curtain’s been torn
between light and darkness
and in the end, light
will always prevail

(originally posted on the Nightlight Blog)

When the Curtain Falls

Blog_Masquerade01i see you from afar
know deeply who you are
my eyes can see much more
than human eyes can see

your heart speaks loud and clear
though you try to hide your tears
i can hear your silent cry
though you do not hear me

you’re weary from the act
burdened by the mask
and yet you strive to keep
the image you portray

you surround yourself with those
who will never truly know
how hard you fight to breathe
and to live another day

and yet
i see…
i know…
i ask

what are you wearing
when the final act
comes to an end?

what are you wearing
when the curtain falls
and the lights go dim?

what are you wearing
when you close the door,
at last alone?

what are you wearing
when the day is done
and you’re finally home?

do you shed the garments that made you shine?
or do you fake your smile one last time?
do you take a breath and hope it’s done,
dread the rising of the sun?

or does the costume wait for you
for wearing when the night is through
to play your starring role once more
still trapped behind your prison doors

what are you wearing?
you refuse to confide
i know who you are
though you try to hide

what are you wearing?
your audience waits
to find what’s behind
the veil on your face

what are you wearing?
when will you let go
of the garment that keeps you
from being…known

Related Post: Stars Without Makeup

Originally posted by j.e. fernandez on FaithWriters, Helium Network, & the Nightlight Blog

Photo Credit: Masquerade mask from Roger’s Gardens | Explored November 10,… | Flickr

The Beggar

Blog_Beggarat first glance he’s just a beggar…

a blur in the background
of my immutable schedule

an unwelcome disruption
to my carefully laid plans

his greedy hands reaching out
for my hard-earned wealth

unworthy
of my well-deserved luxuries

unequal to the value
of my precious time

but when i take a closer look,
i see a mirror reflection

helpless eyes that could be mine
if hope had escaped my grasp

desperate hands that would reach out
if opportunity had eluded me

hardships i would bear
if fate had dealt me another hand

he is no beggar
he is a reminder of what can be lost

he is a messenger
of what has been forgotten

he is a friend
inviting me to find my humanity

 

Source: More than a Neighbor

Photo Credit:BEGGAR  | Street Photography © 2014 www.r… | | by richardovertoom