Kenosis

Is seven minutes in the closet enough? 

I pray in secret; seek goodly pearls

to wear like the stars of heaven crown Him, the heavens cloak Him

in light to break unknowing’s clouds.

“Unless I shall see, I will not believe”

said Thomas, believing,

demanding ascent, 

as poised as the will uses time as a canvas

to create, discern. And I saw. Knock, and it shall be opened. 

If I am honest to be praised for honesty, as I often am,

then I have fallen already, and am condemned to dwell in shadows, 

drunk in a mirage. Are my dreams worth the price of this pearl?

I had ideas, imperfect, for the form of my life.  

And so I renounced the blessed face, I renounced the voice. 

My wings were fans to beat the air, and I even soared a little, before I fell 

to walk in fear.

The door is shut. I know not what

I have seen but

I saw.

Bound to earthly sight, I obeyed the tempests in my soul

but as the winds and seas obey  

I shall turn lightward, suspended, head bowed below a crown of stars.