A Prayer for Angie

Athens, Georgia
January 30, 2016; revised February 5, 2016

Shackled to perceptual chains
we face our trials as if alone,
beyond all hope — but faith sustains.

Baffled by competing claims,
we grasp beliefs until we’ve grown
so wedded to perceptual chains

that when our efforts end in vain
and earthly options come undone
in fear and trembling — faith sustains.

We’ll stumble through a vale of shame
confused and lost where doubt is sown
about our own perceptual chains

until at last no path remains
in dark and blessed moments blown
beyond all hope — where faith sustains.

Released from clinging thoughts, we’ll gain
new clarity to find our home.
We’ll soar beyond unshackled chains
and bask in Love — yes, faith sustains.