Instrument

Make me your

hammer.

I’ll pound

the stubborn nails down

til all boards become one.

Let me be a fierce nail,

and I’ll pierce your living flesh,

number all your bones.

My rough hand will smooth

away sin’s sharp edge

and bring low life’s

knot of corruption.

With gleaming blade

will I open a wound

pulsing joyfully in your side

to anoint with living blood

the guilty hands

of soldiers.

So use me, O builder,

and build your house

of many rooms.

(18 May 2012)