The Sand - Poem

So, I'm currently in a biblical literature class and I was inspired by a book called Water from a Deep Well by Gerald Sittser. If you're Christian, or religious for that matter, I believe you'd deeply enjoy this book and learn a lot about yourself and your faith. It draws from several stories of Christians throughout history; those who were persecuted in a ways I never fully understood, such as the matyrs, who were put to death for their beliefs in Roman arenas for bloodsport and entertainment of the crowd. 

Since I haven't made a post in awhile, I thought it'd be nice to share the poem I made for this class. It's mainly based upon the desert saints of ancient Rome, who volunterary left the comfort of their homes to live a life of struggle and isolation in the harsh deserts of ancient Eygpt. This was done in purpose to establish discipline through a life of harship, not only to serve others better but to create a ginuine necessity for Christ. If you have time, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts on it. I'd also be delighted to read any poems you enjoy, or have written yourself, so please feel free to share them! Thank you.

The Sand

I’m called to the sand of a dry endless parable -

A faint descent of unkind and unbearable.

While chains of heat cause restraint of the mind,

Devoured by beast like a martyr in grime,

Impaled with the blade of an age lost in time,

I’m called to the sand, as you ask me to climb.

To die in the self, I’m released from the ego,

The power, success, and the natures of evil;

My faith gives me purpose, to fight and move forward,

The struggle of darkness makes need for the Lord,

Created to serve, while the love is restored,

I’m called to the sand and it can’t be ignored.

Though body may suffer, surrender and submit,

You gather my soul to transcend and transform it;

Ascetic I wander the arid un-measured,

Commitment to Him, disregards worldly pleasure,

Salvations a gift far more precious than treasure,

I’m called to the sand to live in Him forever.

Learn more about the martyrdom of Christians in the old Rome Empire here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyrs

Also, learn more about the desert saints and their calling to a life of hardships here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Fathers