It’s been a while since I’ve posted any poetry, friends. Here is one inspired by the parable of the Prodigal Son that I performed at a church “Slam Sermon” this evening. It’s a little messy and unedited but I love the way God teaches me through my creativity, that I get to write inspired by the First Author. I got a little emotional as I read this evening because even when I’m “doing good” with God and with life, I am reminded that I too am a bit of a mess, that I have a tendency to hide my weaknesses and failures, that I try to deal with them alone, and that every single time, the Lord calls me by name and seeks me out. He is the One who leaves the 99 to come after the one and throws a feast when we return. What a wild grace we’ve been given. What a kind Father we have.
Return.
A voice in the chaos cuts through
the rain and the tears
the insults and the jeers,
return.
Return,
you who have squandered
and wandered away,
hidden in caves
and turned your face
to hide the scraps and the pain.
Return
the voice calls,
because I see the bruises
that don’t bloom on the skin
but attack from within and
slither through veins
in ways you can’t begin to explain
the mental haze that has found you,
made you lose your ways.
Return
say the voice
because I have heard
coins clash together in scenes that feel blurred
as exchanges are made and
you smile as pleasures
are handed your way
but at the end of the night,
lonely, sad and frustrated
you just want
to take flight and escape
what you have created.
Return
though your clothes are dirty
and you feel unworthy.
Return
not as a thief in the night
slinks back and hopes to avoid being seen
come in the morning when the sky is blue
and the trees are green.
Return.
Return,
in the light
so that He can greet you
in the way that is right
for a Father
to embrace his Sons and Daughters.
Return,
to a love so reckless
that it kicks up its heels,
an outrageous love
that revels and reveals itself.
A love that does not hide,
loves fully and with pride
in it’s Beloved Creation.
Return.
Return,
urges the voice
and He will run calling out for all to hear
the one I love was far
but now they are near
Return,
the voice reverberates
through all the other noise.
Somewhere a man awakes
looks around at all he has destroyed
He rises and looks towards the door
Return
the voice whispers
with love the man
no longer feels he deserves
return
and you will learn
how the Father longs
for his children
and does not reserve
love for only those who are “worthy”.
Return,
all are welcome,
those broken and thirsty.
Return
from hard work in the field
or a wild life abroad
the voice calls them in
not caring where they have trod.
Return,
the voice
says
I have been waiting.
With love anticipating,
always hopeful,
never hating.
Watching the door for you.
Return,
now is the time,
the Father waits
to wash away any shame and crime.
Return
to Perfect Love
to Divine embracing
return to being fully known
instead of always chasing
more.
A King’s feast awaits, not just the crumbs
Here is your home
where you can always come
So now,
without fear
or condemnation
come boldly
and be cherished
by the Maker of Creation
And the Father will smile and
with the same voice He will say
all I’ve wanted
for years has come true today.
For you, My Child
have returned.
I saw you perform this, and was so deeply moved. I’m now re-reading it with tears streaming down my face because of how beautiful, moving and relatable it is.
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