Gilead Nights, by my beloved brother

Settling deep in an old porch swing

like a bag of dry granular earth.

I feel the cool of the sunless sky.

Aches dissolve in an evening view!

 

Stars twinkle from their lofty perch

with soft enchantment to calm the day.

Now katydids project their chirping songs

which chide the invading worries of day.

 

Look! A shooting star streaks the sky,

A whippoorwill calls out with a mating song.

The splash of a fish bounding for freedom

join songs of nature to heal my thoughts!

 

Evening darkens with the croaking of frogs,

fireflies dart across the panorama of night.

I feel now more human than a bag of dirt.

The panorama of Gilead has given me rest!

 

 

David A. Britt - April 10, 2009

Gilead, a poem by my brother

A call from the pristine waters of Gilead

Haunt my memories of this quiet repose!

A gull’s bill creases the mirror topped lake;

Silver minnows swim gently below.

The only sounds were the soft songs of Nature.

 

A push or two on the paddleboat’s drive

Brings yet another of nature’s delights!

Tall trees cast wiggling shadows across

Waters presenting an inverted coalesce.   

We feel to say nothing but inhale the view!

We sat in the dock’s veranda and talked

Of our loving God and our lives so far.

There were no intrusions to this restful repose

Only our memories and the moment we shared!

The only sounds were the soft songs of Nature.

Too soon my retreat at Gilead was over.

It was back to a world of noise and hustle.

All struggles of the busy world reappeared

Until memories bring again Gilead’s repose,

I hear again her sweet songs of Nature!

David A. Britt - April 4, 2009

I feel that I am in my own "Enchanted April"

Why Me?

Why me, Lord, what have I ever done

To deserve even one

Of the pleasures I've known?

Tell me, Lord, what did I ever do

That was worth loving you

Or the kindness you've shown

Lord help me, Jesus, I've wasted it so

Help me, Jesus I know what I am

Now that I know that I've needed you so

Help me, Jesus, my soul's in your hand

Tell me, Lord, if you think there's a way

I can try to repay

All I've taken from you

Maybe, Lord, I can show someone else

What I've been through myself

On my way back to you

Lord help me, Jesus, I've wasted it so

Help me, Jesus, I know what I am

Now that I know that I've needed you so

Help me, Jesus, my soul's in your hand."

Lyrics by Kris Kristofferson

These lyrics beautifully express how I'm feeling right now, looking out at the drizzling rain in a snug house, plenty (too much) to eat, healthy, blessed... when I read the news about how hard these times are for so many people, I can't help but feel a little guilty for the good life that I am living.  I hope that I am properly grateful, but I doubt it.  I don't know how I could be unless I find ways to pay back just a small amount of the grace that has been given to me.   Love and prayers to you all.