More Real

I want to be more real;
More than bones and flesh,
More than words written on the page
And spoken without meaning,
More than actions taken
Out of fear, compulsion and common practice.
I want to be seized
By the power of The Great Affection*,
Seized by words Immortal,
Birthed by death-defying Grace.
I do not want religion,
Do not want my works remembered
By what these hands have done,
But by weakness
Filled for the glory of One;
Made something in Faith,
Compelled by Love transforming
Into what is more real.


*"Great Affection" taken from Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

Surety

She says she's not so sure,
And I think I relate.
With Memphis gathering below,
In lane after lane
Embracing that chocolate streem,
The words that come to mind
Are far away, lost
On some forest path
Behind a four foot guide.

My conscience died with cheap grace,
My love with religion.
What's left is sold on loneliness
With all its amenities;
Quiet nights, anxious waiting and poetry.
It could be quite romantic
Except for the nice guy syndrome
Which really just means its in my eyes;
That path keeps winding,
The elephant grass too tall to see
If anyone is watching
Like I am watching
The dust, the sweat, the lack of tears,
And the blood red sun, setting
With a surety I wish I understood
Like my fear of the coming night.