The baby cries but it’s not time to feed.

Wander the wilderness, never go home.

Twin pillars lift me to see what I need.

Daily bread on this peak tastes sweet as stone.

Overthrown to atone

For nothing is enough

That I fake it alone

With no one’s love.

On command raise me up to sacrifice.

A sparrow falls eager to fill its fate.

Stay the hand, desert me for forty nights.

Let this life pass from me. Or, I can wait.

Overthrown to atone

For nothing is enough

That I fake it alone

Without your love.

From Eden I leave with all I can take.

Better to reign down here than serve above.

This vista reveals what I must forsake.

I don’t cling to the ark, give me a shove.

Overthrown to atone

For nothing is enough

That I fake it alone

With all your love.

Zaphthani, 2009, acrylic on panel, 7x10”