In the storm

poem

“In the Storm”

17MAY2013

James E. Benthin

 

 

Off on yonder horizon lies in wait approaching storm

Wind picks up as crew tie down sails closing hatches preparation

 

Storms have come and gone in life but this one of different form

Waves heave and wind begins bellows before long dropping condensation

 

Of fiercest rain hits stings face and hands as one holds on for dear life

Rolling like thunder waves crash against mast sending shaking ships hull

 

Wrenching pulling twisting arms tire as such motions take toll in great strife

Darkest rain clouds cover sky over head as crippling fear sets into thick skull

 

A coldness known to very few sets into body chilling to the bone teeth chatter

Numbness of face and hands weaken grip and dull senses blurring eyes clouding vision

 

Fellow crew are all swept over board in violent ragging crucible of a storm

Scanning for others to help keep ship afloat finds startling knowing loneliness

 

Storm intensifies as ships hull begins to crack and shudder under natures form

Wrapping rope about hands around body to keep from falling into see do confess

 

But once great ship has had its due and like great things in life begins to fall beneath feet

Main mast breaks first acting like a nail that is hurled into deep within ship breaks spine

 

Departing into the sea I am cast overboard into a dark windy cold unrelenting gale

Waves fall overhead sapping strengths resolve arms tire as surrender sets in

 

When this moment comes one can hold on and sink or let go being cast so dim

In this moment when all hope is gone I call out to you Jesus for I’m so frail

 

Instead of ice cold water consuming my veins a warm tenderness surrounds

As Your loving presence protects shelters me from all harm amidst raging sea

 

In darkest of storms it is your hand I cling to my precious Jesus whose grace abounds

Though we will have trouble in this life your love is steadfast for it sets us free

 

Free to float upon a sea of mercy even in the greatest of storms for your mighty hand

Holds unto us no matter what happens no matter what occurs you Jesus are there

 

Weariness take me unto sleep as my hands grasp floating beam asleep touching land

Hours pass as I lay upon empty beach warming in days warm sun resting in your care

A calling wakes me from deep slumber as brightness of yonder sun blazes blinding eyes

Glancing around to realize that I’m not alone as lone figure clothed in white grows near

 

Sitting up wiping sand from tethered clothes marveling at how bright are skies

Jesus reaches out to touch my shoulder and instead of shying away in fear

 

I wake from my dream and smile for I am loved by Jesus Christ and is my love, my life, my everything.