The Back Row
Oh Lord, guide me, help me find my way.
“Welcome to our church, a sacred place.”
“Our church extends God’s open grace.”
Yet a weight upon my weary mind does weigh,
Logic flees, emotions in disarray,
My eyes are dark today, shadows obscure the light,
“On this Sunday we gather here,”
I’m worn, and I find frustration near,
Distraught, my face contorts, In turmoil, it betrays my plight,
My ears fail. in shadows, my eyes lose their sight.
Chest tight, darkness veils my soul this day,
Ears hot, Prayers elude me, lost in night,
Empty, alone in thoughts, lacking in might
My face reveals the words I cannot say,
Throat constricts, as hymns in chorus sway.
Dark clouds in my mind a maze
“On this Sunday, together we stand,”
For most, a joyous day, life’s grand,
Prelude, announcements, songs of praise,
Children depart, but I’m lost in a daze,
The Bible reading and songs again raise,
My focus is scattered, my thoughts impaired,
Special message heard, I’m not ensnared,
Preachy Preaching, my thoughts ablaze.
Absent of grace, lost in anxiety’s craze.
Closing hymn, I’ll make it through somehow,
The closing hymn continues, exhaustion at my core,
eyes now clear, ready for it to be over.
“The Lord blesses”, dry mouth, we part, holy cow,
My mind finds clarity, ready to end this now.
“We’re grateful you came”, “Together we’re strong,”
“May the Lord’s grace keep you in His embrace,”
“In unity and love.” “Together we run this race.”
“Bless you, may you find your way safely home.”
Back to my cardboard box, Damn this race is long.