Credo
While out walking near Thirlmere one day
in the clear evening air, all alone;
pausing breathless I saw by the way,
a huge rock in the shape of a throne.
There I sat looking down on the lake,
hearing thunder rolls like distant timpani;
I was struck as I reached for some cake,
was it lightning or longed for epiphany?
A bright vision extinguished my senses,
full of awe I was carried away
to a place that forgives all offences,
then awoke in my seat the next day.
It was clear at a glance no mere chance
placed this rock, led my steps, brought confusion.
On the ground flattened plants marked my dance,
in my hair there were blooms in profusion.
I’m convinced that our bountiful Lord
showed himself to the flawed race of man,
gave this sign of the truth of His word
and this sample of His perfect plan.
All creation submits to His reign,
lauding wisdom beyond me and you.
Surely anyone with half a brain
must agree; can I say we all do?
All creation fits one grand design,
needing wisdom beyond you and me.
If your mind is no finer than mine
let’s discuss this tomorrow at tea.
Some say we are all off our heads,
our beliefs merely legends or lies,
we’d be safer strapped down on our beds;
but they’ll end as the devil’s French fries.
They may sneer but we know what to do,
all together now, good men and true:
bark woof-woof or cry too-whit too-woo;
we are barking, and crying for You.
Oh Creator who made the world for us
then made us, with our penchant for sin,
will we join in the Heavenly chorus,
or be dumped like the trash from Your bin?
As You closely observe our sad antics
you give points but do not say who’s won;
give clear guidance O Lord, not semantics,
or come back and repair what You’ve done.
Intervene, show Your love’s not aborted,
don’t just watch from the wings in a rage.
Your rare visits have been misreported,
and we feel like lab rats in a cage.
Yes I know different men on this planet,
on Your name cannot even agree,
but if it’s something like John (not like Janet)
keep a place in Your heaven for me.
(RF aka Rev Ivor Screwloose BD)
