Bending Towards The Vinedresser's Hand

A poem about abiding in the one who provides the real strength

Bending Towards The Vinedresser’s Hand

by Chris T.

These branches have withered some.

Days have passed and years have gone by.

I tried to grow tall and stretch out my limbs,

But no longer do I bear the fruit of my youth.

I gave all my strength, to my effort and cause.

Making sure I gained all the wisdom that I could muster.

This direction, this off-shoot seemed so sure, so beneficial,

But, nothing has been gained and now my branch has been lost.

My eyes have seen the vinedresser from far off,

Though, I have bristled when he has approached.

I wanted to show him my will to succeed.

But it only magnified the means to my end.

Others seem to bear much fruit, so beautiful to the eye,

They seem to flourish under the care of the vinedresser’s love.

Now I am an old tree with few branches and few seasons left to grow.

Maybe I’ll start to trust the touch of His gentle care.

Oh, come to me, my Savior with thy Holy Hand.

Give unto me the courage to lay down my plan.

Snip off the wild offshoots that I tried to grow,

And touch within my being the care that you know.

For though it stings a little for a pruning right and sure.

And for a season some limbs might need a trim, and my heart may endure,

To watch my own efforts be cast into the fire,

But change within my shape the Lord’s true desire.

Now I must abide within the vinedresser’s care.

Worry not myself about the tending of my affair.

Bending to the shape of the Master’s will

To produce a luscious fruit that begets such a thrill.

Author's Note

The commentary on this piece is lengthy, but worth checking out to understand the meaning behind this poem. If you like you may check it out on my blog: www.thegreatplainspoet.wordpress.com
God Bless you all.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

"To watch my own efforts be cast into the fire,
But change within my shape the Lord’s true desire."
Always a pleasure to read your poetry. Give a positive message of hope in your words. Thank you for the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Cascara (aka Sprint Goe..]

deep metaphor here!

[*~*Butterfly Kisses*~*]

An inspiring write of strength. Great flow and imagery. Nicely done.

[SoulCrusader (Yas)]

Another immaculate piece...great stuff Chris :)

[Chris Taylor]

I am just so thankful that the Lord uses me in anyway at all.