The prompt for Day 18’s Poem a Day Challenge hosted by The Poetry Pub, is “harmattan” which the dusty NE wind that blows through West Africa in the winter. The dryness and dustiness can provide a metaphor to a heart condition that I experience when I am especially tired after a day of ministry.
Also, ever since I saw Larry Gatlin talk about Kris Kristofferson’s song “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” I’ve been fascinated with the lyrics and the story. The last two stanzas are heavily burrowed (copied?) from his song. For a pastor, it isn’t Sunday mornings coming down after a Saturday night that is difficult, it is the coming down on Sunday evening after a full Sunday.
Things are sometimes difficult. I am grateful for the Good Shepherd who says, “Come to me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
You may listen to me read the poem via the player below.
Sunday Morning Comin' Down When the busy work of blowin’ Through the duties of the day And tired like weight growin’ From the words I’ve had to say, Leaves me draggin’ in the hallways Closing up the sabbath rest The weary fear like always Rushes wild in the chest. I walk the empty church’s hall The hollow sound of steps Is all the fresh wind of that call; Doubt’s all that I’ve got left I check the doors, I press and lean Into the, What’s my part? A crash bar check of brittle dreams And the dryness of the heart. Sometimes the only wonder is The wonder of the Why? That leaves you empty handed as You look up at the sky. It’s the doubting that’s the burden The wear that leaves you down The weight of all the hurting Of Sunday evening comin down The drive home is now in darkness Through my town’s busy roads Where the contrast's in the starkness Of the lightness and the loads. In a Sunday evening driveway Wishing Lord that I was done Cause there’s something in a Sunday Makes a body feel alone. Ain’t nothing short of cryin’ Half so lonesome as the sound Of a pastor’s mind a ‘Why?-in’ Sunday evenin’ coming’ down. © Randall Edwards 2023 #PoPubPAD #NovPad #NovPad2023 @the.poetry.pub After Kris Kristofferson, “Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down” lyrics © Combine Music Corp.
Thanks, I enjoyed both reading and listening to your poem, as well as reflecting on it as I ponder similar thoughts.
https://fromarockyhillside.com
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Thank you, I’ll have look.
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