Flesh and Desire

Flesh and Desire

“Humankind cannot bear very much reality.”  —T. S. Eliot

Into the fire of wisdom, thoughts go to perish.
“Get thee behind me, Satan!” Christ commands.
But we still wobble behind the Devil
Hoping to be snatched from the arms of death
In time for supper and for the many tomorrows
We image we still possess.
In the valley of dreck and poison, I have lived
Even as I knew better or thought I did.
No, I am not here to testify.
Although a word or two of testimony
May slip out every line or so!
I can pound sand with the best of them.
But I can also bitch and moan.
Where is the beginning of joy and rectitude?
One might ask.  Where is the promise?
O, come on!  You know where the promise is . . .
Yes, just testing the waters and they are warm.
Every time I delay, I am warned.  Just pray
And wait and listen close and tight to the hum
In the brain.  I will follow.  I will follow close.
Yes, I will.  And flesh with its crude desire
Will no longer taint the years
With their distractions.
The mercy of Spirit will wipe my tears.