Across the Crossroads

Once was I walking
in sweetness and love
And winsomely talking
of things from above

Then slowly but surely
I began to believe
That the things of this earth
were better for me

I came to a crossroads
defining my choice
Yet I wouldn't stop there
or yield to His voice

So I turned aside from
the road of the cross
But I kept looking back
and regretting my loss

Soon swiftly and steeply
my pathway did run
Why could I not see
the light of the sun?

I'd thought that this path
would fulfill my desire
But then I perceived
'twas a way to the fire

So I tried to return
yet all to no avail
My footsteps kept slipping
was I augured to fail?

I yearned to remember
the road to get home
If I could just get there
no more would I roam

My strength fleeing fast
I cried out in pain
Its echo came back
it seemed hope was in vain

Then once more I cried
but this time 'twas for aid
And a morsel of strength
entered in as I prayed

A beacon of light
emboldened my gait
I quickened my pace
before it was too late

And then once again
to the crossroads I came
There I made it my choice
the cross to reclaim

I'm looking ahead
now across the crossroads
I'm so glad of the cross
which crossed off all my loads

I wrote this poem last night after meditating on Scripture, specifically Psalms 106 & 107.  If you haven't read them recently, they are wonderful works of art which proclaim many times over the mercy of God even in the midst of rebelliousness among his people.