Calloused and hardened, becoming a shell.
Just how much longer- time only will tell.
My skin once as supple and soft as a petal,
Has now become more alike oxidized metal.
I’ve tried so vainly to maintain my shape,
Making so sure that no pieces escape.
I’ve labored to make myself as a figure
Nota bene: my fragments configured.
Now I can stand and see my reflection,
Turning to face my projected perfection.
I take a good look at what I’ve become;
The visage I see makes my core grow numb.
Dull and unmoving, complexion as stone,
Anesthetized soul is hidden, unknown.
The efforts to smooth my Flesh’s seemed flaws
Caused me to forget a far greater cause.
Beneath the external an emptiness waits
Seeking and longing in deep dire straits.
For once it knew Life that emanated
Hoping that now it is only abated.
Over my shoulder appeared a strong Hand.
At once I assumed this was my remand.
This arm stayed outstretched and I gazed on, pale,
As a hammer struck, entrenching a Nail.
The pierced palm rested upon my dense head
It Covered me in its seeping blood red.
Instead of terror, unspeakable peace,
I realized my fight might actually cease.
To my great surprise I saw that gavel,
Prepared to nail me into gravel.
Then I remembered, though hard to swallow:
I’ve been beckoned to Carry and Follow.
Weighing the cost of my self-sculpted face,
Against this strong hand extending pure Grace,
I fell to my knees with tears in my eyes,
Knowing my sculpture would meet its demise.
But something inside had suddenly changed;
My perception of Life was rearranged.
The hand that touched me was so filled with love
I knew it was what my soul was deprived of.
My intricate form, no longer vital,
Would willingly fall to His unblemished Title.
The hand that was pierced upheld me with strength,
As the hammer swung upward at full arm’s length.
I felt the cracking like jars made of clay,
And watched as bits started floating away.
The process wrecking, but spirit unfizzled-
I was not destroyed but carefully chiseled!
Then out though the cracks a light exuded,
In glorious power, free and denuded!
Ne’er had my life been worth anything,
Compared to the Life from this gracious King.
I set my eyes not on things I can see-
My Flesh in this world is temporary!
My Spirit is filled by looking above,
For better than life itself is His Love!
I was crucified and now made alive,
Because His Spirit alone now can thrive.
I no longer live, but He lives inside-
May His glory shine and His love abide!
