Poetica Magazine

Talia Applebaum

"Those who sow tearfully will reap in glad song" 1

To face pain in raw form

No running to soft-edged cocoons

No numbing shots of novocaine

Only heart turned numb

 And not to blame nor justify

Wayward thoughts and wayward deeds

Who can withstand such trials

Only others overcome?

From where derives brave maturity 

To claim partnership for destiny?

All is within the gift of choice

Coupled with weapon-- prayer

Now ringing hollow in the ear

Yet in itself -- victory

Hence taking refuge under thewing

Of  Whom

 Whose closeness seems so far

Feeling like the living dead,

Sustained by spiritual life-support

The dead will yet be revived

In their mouths a song of joy

That reverberates throughout all worlds

Reaping harvests of heaven-drenched tears

And tear-drenched heavens

 1. Psalm 126:5