The title is a name which C.S. Lewis employs as an author of a children’s grammar in his book, Prince Caspian. The name means, “full of dry dust” which is just what Lewis thought of a good bit of what was being written from young minds.

The poem itself is a reflection on John 7:38 which reads, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” “Water of life” sure sounds a lot better than the “full of dry dust” which I sometimes experience.

If it is helpful, you may listen to me read the poem via the player below.

A desert, full of death — the driest dust —
Is my life, imagination, heart, and soul;
Bleached white as bone, the golden bowl turned rust
And bitter, where my heart was, now a hole.

A fissure forms in my self-protection,
A sober moment of vulnerability,
I expect judgment, sure without question
But am given impossibility.

For the rod of judgment on the rock fell,
Smiting my second who stood in for me,
Flooding with grace from an eternal well
Washing me clean in His love and mercy.

This angry fool who sought other’s applause
Still wallows in cisterns of demanding;
I’m now humbled, contrite for what I was,
And I see clearer, drink understanding.

For from his pierced side water pours with blood
My stone heart breaks open with tears of love.

© Randy Edwards 2018.
This poem is for Christ’s church. If it is helpful, please feel free to copy or reprint in church bulletins, read aloud, or repost. I only ask that an attribution be cited to myself (Randall Edwards) and this blog (backwardmutters.com). Thanks.
Artwork: Francois Perrier (1590 – 1650) Moses draws water from the Rock. Capitoline Museums [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons