The Face of Love
When death stood at my threshold,
I chose to die to life not lived
for I was drowning in my sorrow:
life nor death showed me tomorrow.
Squirming in the depths of death,
I hated that it took so long!
I summoned death to end the pain
but he had nothing more to gain.
Someone touched my inmost being
and told me there's no inbetween;
this voice within called out to me
"Where will you spend eternity?"
"What does it matter," I replied,
"life and death is all the same."
"Die not to this death in vain;
I died for you," the voice explained.
As if urged, I stood erect
after wrestling on the floor.
"Call to her by that sweet name;
she will quench your burning flame!"
I called and asked if she would help
a man who had no wish to live.
Her answer fails me yet today
for she agreed and not be swayed.
She spoke about eternity
and life with love always,
though I wanted but to know
if she could live with such sorrow.
Her kind and gentle voice
put my burning heart at ease
when I saw no cause to live,
she gave all there was to give.
With love and hope and laughter
she brings God's grace to all:
shows he saves the destitute
and cares for men of ill repute.
I have heard in tales of old
that angels rescue dying men
and wise old women talking
how the devil feared her calling?
Like the mother of the Lord,
strangers came to bear her gifts
and placed it in the gentle hands
that prays for souls in every land.
I have had the privilege
of living life through her
for in her great compassion
she saved me from depression.
You would be encouraged
to speak to her some time
for in her eyes are love and hope
that tells you that you'll cope.
She would hold your hand
like a little child
and lead you to the King
while joy will be the song she sings.
When you meet with humbleness
and look into her gentle face,
you'll see that love is in her smile
as love shows in a little child.
Copyright © Alastaire Arendse | Year Posted 2021
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