Baptism by Fire
The temple is burning to ash
Because a boy saw a pillar of fire
So let the worshipers wander in the desert
Casting shadows in the light of a bush God burns
Someday we’ll make a bushel of this city
Will you still see, beneath it, a glimmer of candlelight?
One moment I’m a zealot on the roadside
The next, I’m speaking with a tongue of flame
Was there ever a beginning? I’ll ask you
Or a time without your spark?
Open your books in the darkest night
And read God’s word by lightning!
I've been following for a long time, but haven't yet commented before. Maybe it's time to change that?
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I love most about the gospel is the use of recurring symbols. I think we are very fortunate to have such beautiful scriptures to read as the Word of God. And in this poem, though each stanza seems disconnected as there isn't a unifying narrative, the way fire recurs throughout is very evocative. I love the contrast with the simple zealot who becomes a holy man, and I love how even in the darkest night the Lord finds a way to send light to us.
I recently wrote a poem about the three days of darkness before Christ came to the Americas, and this poem reminds me of it. Perhaps someday I'll share it.
Loved reading this thankss
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