AS A DOE WHOSE FOREST HOME IS
SCORCHED BY FIRE

after Psalm 42

As a doe whose forest home in scorched by fire
searches for a drop of dew or supple leaf,
so my thirsty spirit, parched by pain and fear,
seeks the dew of hope where hope seems lost in grief.

"Where is God?" they ask; my answer vague, unsure.
"Are you there, my God?" is all my lips can trace.
Day and night my tears have been my only food,
and my stinging eyes desire to see God's face.

Memory stirs as I recall God's faithful care:
tender mercies, more than reason can explain.
"Hope in God!" I say, my answer to despair;
I will trust God's ceaseless love in joy and pain.

11.11.11.11
Tune: AARON

THE OCCASIONAL FIRE

POEMS
Life Scroll
Spirit Wings
Death in the Family
Flight Chief
Legacy
Honeymoon Photo, October, 1939
49 Chevy
The Seed of Me
Land of Rest
On Allison's Leaving
Telecom's Bequest
Starbucks, Tuesday, 3:36 p.m.
Action Still
Vital Meaning
Fools

HYMNS
God will not let us go
The rising sun blazed out of night
Light! Light! A shattering light
Worship the Lord
As a doe

ABOUT MARK RHOADS