When Grief

When grief drags me harshly out to sea
jagged, giant waves crash thoughtlessly over me
when all around I see no "him and me"
that's when my heart and all my life
seems forever done with me

I cannot swim these swelling tides
and cannot find me at God's side
from which I would some courage gain
if He would remove such relentless pain

The pain that will to Christ me draw
the pain that will cause my frozen heart to thaw
the pain that shows me weak and frail
the pain that makes me cry and wail
til naught is left but tearstained face
til I yearn at last for God's embrace.

Earthlove lasting just a while
not all is true but has some guile
this time NewLove will never leave
or ever cause again love's death to grieve
for He is perfect, everlasting true
a bridegroom that fits a marriage true
His bride, myself, will yield to Him
adore and ever live with Him
no parting words
no sad goodbyes
just us together, no broken ties

No wrenching grief now drags me "out to sea"
no giant waves are crashing over me
"Now" all around me I do see
my Godhealed heart and mind and soul
from pain and doubts being made whole
and best of all His inner, gracebound peace
assuring me I have landed safe within
Now and forever I will Live with Him.

M. Helen Peterson
May 31, 2010