PSALM 22 REVISITED


Sometimes I despair
Fear overwhelms my heart.
In rage, I raise my fist
Even as I hang my head
In shame
(No black glove.
My slavery is to sin)

I cry out
But it falls unheard
My spirit struggles
Strangling my tears
Then sorrow slips to silence
Anger burns to ash

And, tenderly
the strong pure presence
Comforting...Comforting
Smoothly soothing

I must learn to listen
through my tears
For I never was
Forsaken

                                                                LIKE I HOLD YOU NOW


We walked the beach at low tide.
You held a shell up to your ear.
You said it spoke in whispers
I pretended I could hear.

Oh, the times we had...
Oh, the times we had.

We watched the sun set in the ocean
Like a candle washing out.
Sleepy mentions of forever.
There was never any doubt.

Oh, the times we had...
Oh the times we had,

And I hold them now
(And I hold them now)
Like I hold you now
(Like I hold you now)
In my dreams

We danced under moonlight.
Wind spun your hair into a stream.
And, speaking of mirages,
Nothing's ever what it seems.

But I hold those times
Like I hold you now
In my dreams

copyright 2015 by Will Hayes

Thanks, Johnny Mercer.  My Huckleberry friend.

                                                                       AMIDST THE SHOUTING


We find his face in asphalt,
Carved in neon flash.
His body laid in hourly beds.
His hands on slot machines.
We find him talking,
Laughing, walking,
Next to switchblade leather toughs,
Whispering to those lost,
"Take my peace.
Enough's enough,"