Life On the Edge

When you get life has edges and dangers abound, Pat yourself on the back, for this wisdom’s profound. One who groks danger’s near has the best chance to live! Fools who’re sure that they’re safe either brag or must give This advantage to others, so they are safe too. Do those fondest of cages frame world like a zoo? But as friends move in closer, the air can grow stale And your better friends hint they deserve wine, not ale. After all, you are besties, who more has your back? Are they proud, though, to make you the ‘head of the pack?’ One who’s king of a castle with mightiest walls Just traps death where he spends nights; man’s strength always falls. Is it smarter, perhaps, not to tempt fate this way? With a life in the open, there’s no ‘place in play!’ In a ‘free-ranging’ pack more contribute their wit, And a member who’s lacking is not a good fit! If a slacker is carried it won’t be for long, Like three minutes if that, more the length of a song! Truth’s a small group is rarely a ‘target for scams,’ Their possessions less tempting, more guards, less fat lambs! In good times (they drink wine?), a pack shares what it kills. If they feast as a group, few take ‘eyes off the hills.’ But the future’s more hidden for those behind walls, Who can’t risk-manage earthquakes, grok Nature means squalls! Should we hear those who fear or more fear those who don’t? Trust the few who share fears or fear folk who just won’t Air their doubts (take a risk some might see them as weak?) Do wise keep their own counsel when fools dare to speak? Is a brave man more praised or intelligence ‘brave’ When opinion’s advanced that’s not yesterday’s slave? Few who ‘prosper’ in life choose the life of the rich! Can a whim serve your will? We’re born slaves in a ditch Or the children of God? ‘Poor in spirit’ invest More in pleasures than plans? Though unworthy, you're guest, Invitation’s mistake? Should you squander this break Or brave future? The truth’s that your soul’s what’s at stake! To grok life’s ‘on the edge’ is to have empathy And to give Grace to others whose pain you can’t see! But it’s hard to give Grace away that you won’t own, Infrastructure’s not recognized when God’s Capone (Not a servant who serves with no thought of reward!) Is God’s Love undeserved? Can God’s Grace be untoward? Brian Johnston 22nd of September in 2019