Lord, Give Us Time

July 20, 2011

I looked upon the world I thought I knew

But nothing saw of the reality

That dwells beyond the apparent face of things.

In youth I knew all there was to know,

My life was full, the vessel overflowed

With music and the budding days of love,

But now that half a century has passed

I look with eyes undimmed yet do not see

Behind illusion's veil and the hedge of mind

The truth I feel and know within the soul.

Can we obliterate the storied past

To which we cling, so difficult to lose,

Live the light we are and turn not back

To petty thoughts and transient desires.

One is there who in the silent heart

Sings to me of wonders still to come.

I would in answer to his flute-like call

Obey the summons and his gifts receive.

Lord, give us time, these habits to unknot,

Ego's jar to empty that you may fill

The seeker emptied of all but gratitude,

This vessel with your light, your force, your love.