Afghan poem
After my deployment to Afghanistan in the U.S. Navy, I had a lot to process. Poetry was the result.
ℹ️
My interpretation of what happened in Afghanistan has deepened since I wrote this poetry. Don't assume you understand my current theology because you've found misunderstanding in a poem I penned in 2011.
Beginning
Swift sailing through the sea of life Weather diverse but He is near Spirit close calms every fear ---
Waves crash vain upon my bow Shall circumstances rock my hold Upon the Lord of grace foretold? ---
Nay, victory is mine through Christ Almighty conqueror of death The world’s released its bated breath
Trickery
The worse is past now no more work I think I’ll take some time to rest Comfort seems to me the best ---
Lay my head on Ease’s lap Complacency bids me to sleep “Hush now, there’s no watch to keep” ---
Cool breeze lulls my eyes to droop Dreams of glory, honor, power Only I, man of the hour
Withdrawal
Self-exalted, basement fails Structure crumbles with a crash Wood and stubble turn to ash ---
(Respite reveals the heart of man When labor turns to selfish ease Corrupt affections to appease) ---
Wake in dread, the sails have stilled Windless, caught without a breeze Trapped within the glassy seas ---
Face of God has turned away, Temptation raises banner high Without help I’ll surely die
Lament
Empty thoughts devoid of light Stretch the hold to nearly burst Abundant water, always thirst ---
Now my daily sustenance Leaves me empty, incomplete Tasteless is the Godly meat ---
What my soul had once refused Worldly bread I once had known In my stomach turns to stone
Questions
Accusations fill my lips Questions swirl within my head Am I counted as the dead? ---
Is my strength akin to stones? Does my flesh consist of brass? Are not all my days as grass? ---
Do I have an arm like God? Present at the start of time? Creator each after their kind?
Help?
I’ve no strength cannot progress Fate hinges on holy wind Word speaks, “He must condescend” ---
Spirit of the Living God I have no handle on Thee Hope only on Your mercy ---
I can’t draw the love of God No bucket, and the well is deep Within Joseph’s well to sleep
Repentance
Who am I to complain thus? My iniquity ascends Far above lofty heavens ---
I was raised in countless sins Every day I add the cost To Jesus’ flesh upon the cross ---
My just lot is death in hell If were not for His mercy As He hung upon the tree
Resolved
If I know not Christ in God There is nowhere else to turn I shall seek Jesus - or burn ---
Am I not Thy purchased prize? Make me so despite my life Thou art greater than all strife ---
You deserve my every breath Poured out for Your endless praise Even if my soul won’t raise ---
To life endless in Your love Under Thy judgment I must Say, “Lord all you speak is just”
Return
Humility floods through my soul Limbs splayed out upon the deck Nothing left now to protect ---
Honesty pours grimly forth From a heart without a pulse The hull begins to convulse ---
What is this! slips from my mouth Sails snap to my great surprise I can feel the breeze arise!
Exultation
God has heard my desperate prayer Healing on His outspread wings Mercy great my heart now sings! ---
Restored at the foot of Christ Heart leaps in renewed delight Jesus, Jesus fills my sight! ---
Knowing what it means to feel Separated from the Lord Leaving twice I can’t afford ---
Strive to walk in holy fear Truly this is the start of Wisdom, knowledge from above
Advance
In your Spirit daily march Mortifying flesh by grace Gazing always on Your face ---
Jesus take the conning wheel Steer the ship as you see fit Riding into bright sunset ---
Where lie the celestial shores Promised to fathers of old To their sons continually told
Longing
When I reach the crystal shore Leaping from the soggy planks I’ll join Your people on the banks ---
Of Jordan where the faithful cross To meet our Husband in the air The virgin bride, His love all fair ---
Sing grateful hallelujahs To the Lamb upon the throne Oh, I can’t wait to be home!