Thirst

A low place in the heart

Where water once had been

Now a dry hole mocking me

Reminding me of sin

The soil now cracked and dry

Is a testament for fools

Who read there death and doom

And cast aside their tools

The dryness of the soul

Will drain you of your will

To keep the goal of life in mind

And trust in God to fill

Through thirst we learn to trust

Unless in hast we drink

Anything that satisfies

Before we stop and think

Too much will quench the sign

God’s voice in spiritual thirst

And cause us to be blind

To keep God blessed and first

The lesson’s hard to learn

When we only look for ease

The hardships teach humility

And bring us to our knees

For below the things we see

The things we touch and feel

A truth resides beneath

That wisdom shows more real

Patience grows from pain

When all we want is peace

Nothing frees us from this jail

Until by God’s release

Then the heart once like a dune

Becomes a living well

Like a fresh artesian spring

With grace to share and tell

Each day one then begins

Like a beggar on the street

With nothing, nor entitlement

Each need is God’s to meet

The cup was dry before

Last night when all was still

As rest restores the soul

And God the cup does fill

© Stephen Carl, 2016