Joy of the Lord
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
JOY OF THE LORD
So many days to suffer. Lest we forget to be joyful,
prepare the meat and indulge in a grapeful of cheer.
Let there be chewing and sipping and harmonious
chatter and laughter. Slather butter on fresh bread,
or soak the bread with the gladness of gravy. Unite.
As we indulge, let us give thanks due to the King. In
our presence He smiles. At the light of our eyes
He sings. We know why we gather, what brings us
together. That great hope that links all nations to One.
We have no need to snap the wishbone, for ours
is not a wishing faith — it is much more, for glory
resides in holy communion, the communion of saints.
The dew of heaven and honey of goodness satisfy
and slake the dregs of suffering not our ultimate fate.
There are plenty of days to look downcast, to suffer
our lot, but a feast day is one to raise a golden chalice,
to ring sleigh bells, to string pearls that light up the gates.
Heaven rejoices with us, the angels clap their wings,
adorned with haloes of vision for the upcoming supper
with the Lord of lords, King of kings. Kiss his sweet feet!
Against the walls, waiting for leftovers — for plenty
has been prepared — are the poor, more grateful
in waiting. They’ve put on their tatterdemalion best.
Mannah from heaven! Royal purple’d honey! They
shall eat to their heart’s content. The fullness of joy,
more theirs than ours. For their bellies rumble, and
they thirst for the satisfaction that our great God gives.
A holy day unto the Lord, gives strength and vigor,
our countenance unwrinkled, at rest. We make merry
with the centrifuge of a loving Savior, with deep whisperings
from the Holy Ghost. Our Father’s eternal flame, ignites
the ground with passion, we’re never scorched on this
His holy ground. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
There be crying babies, children that need sweat wiped
from their heads, needs for the crowd, but the theme
of good tidings prevails upon all souls gathered to feast.
The canopy impressive with deliciousness, bright eyes,
In thankfulness, sharing with the oppressed, leaning into
Jesus’ breast, smelling his ambrosial breath, the conversation
of peace and prosperity, brokenness, surrendering to joy.
9/5/2020
Contest: Joy of the Lord
Sponsor: Regina McIntosh
Copyright © Kim Rodrigues | Year Posted 2020
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