TO WHOM BE THE GLORY

Americans see guns as a righteous tool of vengeance; and an ubercool plaything for beautiful fantasy figures. The American film industry thrives on "shoot-first think-never" action dramas. In fact, our very nation was founded upon the bloody bones of gun-toting anti-establishment rebels.

We do not turn the other cheek; when insulted, we are taught to stand up for ourselves and fight back. If we don't, we're considered wimpy losers. The self-ambitious vengeance tales of our culture do not teach us how to battle with the dignity and grace of humility.

This poem deals with my personal struggle for glory, action and drama.


You Kill My Ego

I want to be Your loyal soldier, Father.
If You ask me to jump, I would leap.
If You ask me to die,
I would stretch out my neck for the knife.
If you ask me to kill, I would take up my sword in a flash.
If You ask me to fight, I would put up my fists and stand tall.
But You ask me nothing
Like this.
You want me instead
To open my heart to be broken,
Hold out my hand to be slapped,
To kneel and to let all be done;
To lay down my life without battle.
In this world, Father, You ask me to serve as You have;
To put down my weapons,
To heal and to hold and to love.
I want to be Your soldier, Father,
But You ask me for peace
In this world.