near and far

God You are so near
keep me safe in a world storm-torn
upon the path soul-worn
please may I stay collecting wisdom
like berries into a bowl

God You are so near
touch my face again
like a loving mother
before language
beyond words

God You are so near
walking, running, sitting, rising
shining now in my darkening darkness
the only One who can guide me home

You are the calm, the Great Silence
within which I am heard
seen in the stillness of Your gaze

forgive the lack of attention, distraction
shaky foundations
for being drawn to the dangerous light
like a moth instinctively heads for the naked flame

but to step into the everlasting fire
and to live within the knowledge
that You return to the world
through me