What Hope?

Here beyond, there is rejoicing and peace; Death's dull dank as a cloud gave way To the balmy breeze of victory and grace Which billows my shroud fills my new day. For defeat as a dragon had swallowed me whole; As a flood, fear flashed, swept courage away; The jaw of death's teeth, held, ground my soul; Hopeless as a dove snared, my doomsday. Had it not been for the Lord the Name high above; The Name above all names, WHO IS AND WAS, The Name who spoke mine, called me in love Out of the mouth, from the jaw, snare, and flood. "Lazarus, come forth!" my Savior called me, Fly from the earth! Arise! You are free!

© Randall Edwards 2017 artwork: detail from an illustration of The Pilgrim’s Progress or Christian’s journey form the City of Destruction in this evil World to the Celestial City; Published July 1, 1813 by J. Pitts No 14 Great St Andrews Street Seven Dials. #sonnet #christianity #poetry #psalmsofascent