This sonnet is based on Psalm 119:17-32. I draw the theme of grace from the first line, “deal bountifully with me.” Not an expression or word we use much in conversation, “bounty” is the gift received before the previous gift is expended; it is an overflow. How does one receive that kind of gracious gift? What must one do? The answering is graciously amazing.

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

My plea: life to live, words to treasure,
Eyes to see, feast, feed in full measure
The wonder of the breadth, width, and height
Of Love’s first spoken word, “Behold, light!”

I sojourn alone as in the night;
The howls of the insolent, on my right;
On my left are those who scorn, berate,
The wicked who plot, the pow’rs who hate.

I cling to the dust, patiently wait
For your grace to come, make true and straight,
To lift from shame, buy back what I sold
To melt with your love my sorrow’s cold.

Though I sit in dirt, your Grace I believe
Gives life to those who can only receive.

© Randall 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: Maximilien Luce [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons