When fear played prophet and in false friendship
predicted my neighbor’s contemptuous glance
to pin my heart–to pierce as with a lance
my trembling will–and my walk’s cadence nipped
by disapproval tripped, hesitated
like the tightened ragged in-breaths it aped
through arid mouth unable to swallow,
clarity fled; disjointed thoughts followed.
Then you Lord Jesus revived me again
who conquered death with hell’s uncounted fears
and bore the cross’ light eclipsing pain
joyfully, for love, enduring the shame.
How did you know in the dark I was near,
alone? No, not alone now with you here.
Father Allen Kannapell
October 14-17, 2022 United Adoration retreat at His Church Anglican
Photography by Benjamin Voros, https://unsplash.com/photos/VffJIyDE1j0
