my own ode to joy

The rambling path once so clear and so true,
Crumbled beneath me as I lost my way through,
Falling into blackness, grasping at branches that weren’t there,
My eyes grew ever darker, my spirit choking in despair.
Drowning and struggling in the loneliest crowd,
Sorrow and sadness inside, moaning ever loud.
Just a bottle in hand trying to numb all the pain,
All I wanted to do was to come out of the rain.

Out of the blackness there came the gentlest strength,
The arms of a lifeguard wrapped ‘round me at length,
Bringing the words of a Savior to brighten the abyss,
A rope to hold onto, His love couldn’t miss, and
While I had not the strength, it held me instead,
Brushing tears off a face that no longer felt dead.
Lifting my blackness in the mightiest of ways,
The Lord fought to keep me the rest of my days,
Whispering His words of hope and salvation,
Reminding me I was His beloved creation,
His Great Book full of wisdom and His Holy Light,
Shining in power and mercy, what a beautiful sight.

No more time to be numb, only have time to feel,
A loving Presence so merciful, graceful and real,
Not even the devil himself could ever steal.
My spirits, my soul, they dance and they sing,
Forever grateful to my Savior, my Lord, my great King.