| A Prophet's Commission |
| The Jordanlay ahead-its boundless gray |
| expanse was an unbroken wall, but still |
| the other side was where Beulah lay. |
| Elijah had to cross.� We passed the hill, |
| the bank.�� He told me to return.� God's will |
| held me like Jonathan to David, bound |
| unto Elijah's side.� I stayed.� A chill |
| wind blew as Father's garment-crowned |
| with prophets power-struck the water.� Sound |
| like splitting mountains pierced the endless sand. |
| We trembled as the river split around |
| a pathway made for us by God's command. |
| and I heard: |
| an anguished avalanche opening an abyss |
| of ancient awesome aching anger |
| The earthquake did not hold God'svoice or hand; |
| I needed Him.� The path was shadowed, dim: |
| the valley of the Psalms.� At last the land |
| likeCanaan spread before us.� On the brim: |
| an eaglet poised to jump from safety's rim, |
| I stood.� I was unsure if I would fly. |
| Elijah asked what I required of him. |
| "Your ministry-your Spirit."� Was goodbye |
| impossible?� I only watched as my |
| entire universe, in tempest blown |
| away-like sun-mist leaves the earth and sky- |
| turned desolate.� I faced the storm alone. |
| and I heard: |
| wind whispering to me its way |
| breathing, rising from the planet's core |
| to stars announcing close of day |
| and Jordan's thunderous fiery shore |
| I did not hear God's voice, though twilight shone |
| with flaming heralds, honoring the One |
| who reigned in Heaven.� Then I saw His throne |
| a moment shining-world behind the sun. |
| Elijah stood with Him.� I could have run |
| to meet him at eternal splendour's height, |
| but no, until Elijah's task was done, |
| I had to stay.� The clouds closed off the sight: |
| the chariot Elijah rode, the light. |
| "My Father!� Father!" to the dark I cried. |
| I ripped my cloak, rending the night |
| as Jeroboam's foolish sins and pride |
| toreIsrael.� God's voice had never died |
| but waited ?till in sorrow-filled delay |
| I listened.� "Cross to Jordan's other side," |
| He said.� "I'll guide you all your days." |
| and I heard: |
| sunrise forgives all which was before |
| dawning rays illumine former fear |
| hope anew: catch spirit-wings and soar |
| angels herald: God is near. |
| --March 2000 |