The lost gather upon your road

The lost gather upon your road

and raise their arms in supplication;

but there are others who surrender

to their raw needs as desperation

heightens the urgency.

I’m always steps away from calling

but something keeps pulling me back;

I see your porch light is always on,

waiting for me to come home.

I won’t disappoint you this time, father.

I’ve hesitated one too many times

as I approached your gate,

for fear that I am no longer pure;

I had strayed for so long.

I am like a worldly ghost

looking to escape a shadow

that keeps trailing me.

Let your light shine upon my path;

and let it be seen far and wide. 

Helena Malheur 2012