What is Woe

The Israelites stayed in the desert because they refused to make the decision to walk by faith, and not by sight.

Struggling in this sifting sand

with no firm ground below,

Among this crowd of nomads,

wondering in woe.

Wandering within these walls

of blue and white hot light,

Days spent walking forward,

Resting quieter each night.

Finding bread each morning

spread across the sands like dew.

Witnessing a stone be struck

and waters flowing through.

Following a column

lighting one step at a time,

What now seems so uncertain,

was it once so all divine?

My legs do not grow weary,

my clothes do not decay,

I follow, I am silent,

I do not know the way.

I'm curious about the land

beyond what I can see.

I know the land that's now behind

and burns my memory:

As fear and worry captures me

I ponder at my plight

Give voice to discontentment

And rail against this flight.

To choose to stay, or choose to slow?

But if I leave, where will I go?

Dwelling in the land now past

Freedom was my dream.

But in these walls of desert

what freedom can be seen?

I cry aloud, to God..

And pause. Wipe blinding sand aside.

I remember I was rescued

I walked through walls of tide.

My steps grow quick, a song burst forth.

I lift my voice, now strong.

I hear the praises echo

through this great nomadic throng.

I look up to the light again-

A steady constant glow.

And steady now my heart responds

That where it leads, I'll go.

I know now what is woe.

Tiger

Love is vulnerable and fierce. Love is like a Tiger, gentle and fierce at once.

This love I have for you:

It never leaves me.

Time can't touch it.

The hurts and heartspills

Take archers aim,

But cannot pierce the mark.

Love overtakes me,

Though I flee like a gazelle:

It is a tiger, and love brings me to my knees.

Dreamlike, love surrounds me.

While I struggle to remain in reality

It's visions cloud my eyes

And I am consumed with your nearness.

Sometimes I move inside your thoughts,

An alternate self,

Frightened, I embrace this love.

It fits so well,And silence does not still it.

Dancer

Dancer-a surprise reflection of self

I glance into the mirror

And see

The golden child upon the stairs.

Still smiling from beneath the cares:

I see my face, eyes wise and worn,

Behind the child's eyes,

Tinged forlorn.

I hear her music:

Memories lilting past,

Turning to listen

I see that happy dancer

Giggling on the stairs,

Pirouetting through the seasons.

Leaving the cement walking to the woman outside.

Smiling from the stairs,

Still the golden child, but not.

............

Old woman sits rocking on the porch.

She is only yesterday, her future recedes.

And in the twilight

She sees the ballerina,

Giggling.