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“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
In exile ‘midst the southern timbers’ walls,
My chamber bleeds the candle’s dimming thralls.
Upon the midnight blaze, I weep in vain,
Awaiting courts beneath Islamic reign.
For mother’s blood lay cold and carpet stained,
And thus the village pointed me to blame.
As peril looms and fate constricts my soul,
My heart grows dreary, sweat consumes me whole.
In shaking breaths, I glare above the coals,
The wooden cross reveals a burning gold.
“O’ Father, lay upon me warming hands,
Amidst this sea of wolves, I walk a lamb.”
I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
In darkness shines his light of blinding grace,
Upon my chamber blooms his loving face,
He stands above me, arms in gold embrace,
As holy wonder sets my soul ablaze.
“My son, why dost thou meddle in thy woes?”
“O’ Lord, my soul lay barest in their throes.”
“And whoso dost thou fear, thy dove or crow?
For hearts of men lay barren ‘midst my throne.”
Be not afraid, only believe.
I wake, my chamber blind without a flame.
With peril knocking, father calls my name:
For do I heed the judgement of men,
Or the mercy of the Lord?
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