Poem: Damsel (Psalm 61)

From the ends of the earth, I call to you.

O God, hear my cry.

I shout it over my shoulder as I ride away.

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Deep cannot call to deep.

My brain is flat; my nerves are shot.

All my sighing is… muffled.

My longing stagnant.

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Fear sits patient in the corner,

inching forward.

Its desire is for me

And my instinct is to run.

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You are my strong tower.

You wait for me in the tent.

And I gallivant elsewhere,

helped by trusty Screwtape.

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You reach to lift my head.

You open your wings like a mother hen.

And I stand aloof,

glance askance.

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Yet you still hold my heartstrings.

Pull, Lord.

Pull!

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Speak softly and I will listen.

Whisper and I will lean in.

I will lean in so far that I fall into you.

I will fall and find that I am continually caught.

Upheld by your strong right hand.

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I may be a mother, but I am also a child.

I give and need, I lead and follow.

I may be a warrior, but I am also a damsel.

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