On your baptism
Child of God,
Son of man,
You’re looking full and ready
From where I stand.
There’s a line across your brow;
You’ve a quiver full of darts
And a mix of oxblood-whiskey
Coursing through your heart.
So stake a cliff
And spy the land below.
The Lord will guide your steps
And He will wreck your foe.
Hoist the flag,
And call your motley lads:
A man o’ men will lead you
Who’s scarred in feet & hands.
He’s twice a bear
And steel is in his gaze.
He drinks and sings and feasts
And fasts for forty days.
He will comfort you;
You will wrestle Him
And test your strength and faith
Till He destroys your sin.
So come, Holy Spirit,
And come along, my son.
Your feet were made to fly –
The race is on, so run.
The path is awesome,
But tears are mixed with joy:
When pain and scars are mounting,
Return to prayer, my boy.
Yes, He will bandage
Your warped and bleeding knees.
His salve is strong to last
Till He has spoken: “I am pleased.”
Bryan Wandel works in government finance and has studied history, accounting, and religion. He is a member of the editorial board at Humane Pursuits. Bryan’s writing has appeared at Comment Magazine, First Things, and elsewhere.