Sometimes I Write Things

Springtime Gallows

"Come with me," came the call
which hit my ears but ne'er to stall
the last of my departure.

The open door, the windows past
through the yard to home at last
and blessed gates wide open.

For once was peace and then was war
and here upon the forest floor
the virgin snow laid silent.

Prick my feet, my soles worn through
the bite of cold that warns me to
remember thy soul's winter.

Perhaps a day, perhaps a year
I've lost my count of seasons here
yet once the springtime hallowed.

Consider not thy soul's distress
but wrap thyself in righteousness
to cure thy heart's resentment.

Now the snow, which stung my skin
finds itself at rest again
my soul removed from wand'ring.

For there was one which hunted me
and there was one which found me free
and held my heart to silence.

And when my God shall beckon me
up from the cold ground set me free
then shall my heart be ransomed.

And when at last upon that day
my Lord returns then I shall say
"With joy here I have followed."