yesterday

yesterday,

i stuffed myself

on pancakes and pleasure,

on chocolate and self-indulgence;

now,

empty me

of all those delicious desires

that make my life (and soul)

so heavy;

yesterday,

i put on that funny face

i call 'me'

and danced through the streets

of temptation and selfishness;

now,

draw me

into those quiet places

where you can reshape me

as your child;

yesterday,

i wore a costume

bejeweled with pride's glitter,

and rainbowed with my silly sins;

now,

clothe me

in prayer

and smudge my face

with your heart's tears;

yesterday,

i chased after the world

into death;

now,

lead me into life

this Lent.

(c) Thom M. Shuman