“…out of the serpents root shall come forth a cockatrice…” Isaiah 14:29
Oh secret faults, come forth I pray,
Into the light of endless day.
Like Cockatrices they hide in dark places,
beneath the shadow of other graces.
Proud and Haughty one be named,
who would the applause of men be gained;
He hides in the shadow of Grace Good-deed,
And shows his grandeur in the night of need.
His friend is pompous vanity,
who hides behind sweet charity;
A mirror is his favorite vice-
to take a look at Mr. Nice.
And then there’s fleshly appetite,
who sleeps the day and revels at night;
and works beneath Pleasure’s employ;
who wears the mask of “full of Joy”
But when the cross is hard to bear,
You’ll find a selfish spirit there.
And just beneath of God’s Protector,
You’ll find the creature, Man Respecter;
who’ll love the one and despise the other-
and never stick close as a brother.
If you’ll look closely under Zeal,
there’s a secret Jealousy to conceal;
She’s elusive and hard to discern,
but when overlooked she doth burn.
Oh secret faults, come out I say!
The light of God to sweep away;
If Honesty be strong and firm,
He’ll furrow out every worm.
And Love will drive out every ill,
and prepare the heart to do God’s will.
look not to neighbor to justify or condemn
But yield to God and he will cleanse.
Would you, your soul, by God be lead?
Then secret faults must all be dead!
“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults” Psalms 19:12
Interesting poem and well written – you definitely have the talent for expressing emotion, struggle, feelings, needs, etc. :D But it was very good! I sent it out as I usually do with all your posts! ((HUGS))
Sister LIZ,
This is excellent ,very thought provoking and wonderful soul food.
I agree Lord cleanse me from secret faults, I want to go to God’s heaven.
Our love , Keep up the good work.