Like Fire to the Friend

Like Fire to the Friend

(“Jesus gave Himself to rescue us. God showed us this at the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:6)

I want to run like fire to the Friend who shines
so sharp the sun fades way. I want to rush like water
to the Lover who fills so full the
rivers look dry. I want to gust like wind to the
Hero who wisps so sure the hurricanes
lose their names.

I am poor, I am needy weakness, I am sore, I am solitary abandon,
I am long on requests, short on answers, quick to share my certainties,
slow to list my failures.
Quick to see yours, (finger pointed silently), dim about mine,
(letters written defensively).

What I mean to say, what I’ve always said, is I’m sure I’m a sinner,
as sure as you are one too! It’s the sinning I find hard to admit to,
the daily habit of missing the mark. I will hide my mistake
year after year, while confessing my sinfulness bleak!

I need to fall like fever into the Hands of the Healer
so precise surgeons mime His work. I need to sleep like
a second son next to the Father whose purpose is complete.
I need to stand like a man in remission, disease and death
conquered
by rose petal strength,
reclaimed
by creation-length hope,
restored
by resurrection rule.

I hear the call of the Music which sings
so honey and milk I stop all I am writing,
my muses go to sleep,
and I am loved like Love in all its softness and clout,
by the Brother, Mother, Father, Son;
all-in-one…three-in-all, fully above me,
around me, below me and in me. The distance once eternal
has been closed by redemption’s rugged smile.