August 20th

“Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
   You gave me room when I was in distress.
   Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1

at some point,
the day began to unravel
and now worry wants to stretch
the night as long as possible,
so listen to me, God
who is the gentle breath
in the pauses of my sighs
who is that quiet grace
slowly untangling my fears.
you place you callused hands
over the ones i clench together,
slowly moving them to your lap,
as you whisper lullabies to my soul.
you are closer than i,
or anyone, realizes or notices,
and we discover how much room
for hope you offer, by that simple act
of listening to our unformed words.
and so, we can lie down
in the soft meadows of your love
and rest in the space you offer.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman