by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer
the coals have cooled
my mouth
and mind
are filled with thoughts
You have refined
so though Your flame
lights my soul
yet
the whipping
does not hold regret
Your promised
Love
I'd happy be
when people
for You
hurl at me
a verbal plague
or vicious blows
that harm the flesh
for each hurt sews
a mercy
I can grow to learn
a grace
in time
I can so earn
for when
my blood is outside skin
I'm quicker to see my own sin
forgive
whatever some sad soul
should do to me
in evil's role
and understand
we each fall far
but You bring us again
from war with self
temptation
and earth's lust
remembering
mistakes and dust
are left behind
when You call me
and in Your arms I rest safely
the tears
that come from some attack
renew
humility I lack
for You are Author
and command
the words
that come forth by my hand
all honor
Yours will ever be
and insults
speak of You
I see
and think
of all so loved by One
are thrashed or killed
for His dear Son
rewarded
pain for pain
with joy
forever
in Your sweet employ
