Rushing Wind
Daily Bread
Poems by Shawn Colin Bailey Sr.

Graveside Reflections

 
Honorable bereavement-a dubious achievement,
Face set, marble-surfaced, stoic and strong.
Beneath surface glances-no self-induced trances,
Heart rent, grief-stricken, crying and crushed.
 
What is the true measure of courage?
Am I brave as I mask my pain, thus shielding myself from it’s jolt?
Or is vulnerability the litmus test-my agony openly displayed,
peeled layer by tear-soaked layer as my wounded soul festers?
 
Staring down into the ravenous grave I realize it doesn’t matter.
Bravery is of small consolation on the shores of the River Styx
And courage will not guarantee safe passage across it’s brackish murk.
 
So cry I must and cry I do.
It is not bravery nor is it cowardice.
It is just daddy missing his little girl.
It will never be enough, but it’s all I have.

The Do Not Resuscitate Order

 
"Your daughter is being kept alive by machines, I’m sorry."
But how can this be?  In just nine short days you’ll be two.
Mommy and I just bought a new dollhouse for you.
All our big dreams are now declared null and void.
My doubting heart asks questions I’d rather avoid.
Why would God take you away from me?
Should I sign this paper in my hand?
Where can I run to escape this nightmare?
How could this be part of His plan?
As I look down at you lying on the bed--
Tubes and wires are scattered all around.
I long to see your tiny eyes open
And I long to hear your mouth make a sound.
I reach down and touch your cheek
I sing "Wide-eyed Wonder," it always helps you fall asleep.
With tears burning my soul I take the pen and sign.
And pray that my faith in God is justified.
Kiersten, Daddy will see you on the other side.
Sleep Angel, I love you more that I can say.
Jesus, help bring us together someday.

Christ Alone

 
Omniscient eyes ever seek the down-trodden.
Omnipotent hands uphold righteous cause.
Omnipresent grace spills on the Cosmos.
Incarnate Word whispers life into me.
 
Christ alone is my strong tower
The maelstrom blows but I am not ruined
Christ alone is my Gibraltar
Invaders surround but I know not despair.

Saturday’s Cacophony

 
Cacophony of Color,
Brazen, Blinding, Brilliant,
Blasting through death's tranquil rest.
Storming the gates of Sheol triumphantly,
Snatching the wandering righteous spirits,
Tearing the veil once and for all.
Black-winged demons shrieked as He passed,
Terror constricting their sin-stained minds.
In loathing and fear Death bowed before Him.
In power and majesty He crushed Death beneath His heel.
And the Universe shook in awe of His Power.
Victoriously, He strode to Satan’s lair,
Grasping the Keys of Hell, He subdued the Evil One.
Eternity secured, He set the captive hearts free.
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?" became "It is finished"

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Rushing Wind E-Mail: Shannon@His-Family.com