Prayer

Bruce Black offers up four new poems on prayer.

1) Every day I listen

Every day, dear God, I listen, wanting to hear Your voice—

Just a word or two, even the sound of Your breath—

Hoping for a sign that You are listening to my prayer. __

2) Your face is hidden

Your face is hidden behind a cloud.

When I look up the cloud is gone.

Nothing is there but a blue sky.

— 3) No one knows

No one knows the length of days each life is given.

No one knows the beginning or the end.

No one knows when a path will appear or if we'll find the courage to follow our heart.

No one knows how each day will unfold, no matter how many plans we make.

No one knows if we'll find friends or peace or love or what You'll grant each of us.

No one knows but You.

—

4) I lay awake

I lay awake in the early morning darkness,

my wife breathing deeply beside me,

and I ask what do You want of me?

What am I supposed to do?

As my wife gently inhales and exhales,

I stare into the darkness waiting for the first sight of day,

the first light to creep under the window shade,

staring and waiting, asking why this life

and what have I done and what haven't I done that You want me to do?

Soft, gentle breaths beside me always there to comfort me

and You as always remain silent

waiting for me to figure out on my own in the dark

what I need to do, what I need to say. —-