PRESENCE

“I was stolen by You from the grave.” – Aaron Strumpel
“Freedom is coming, oh yes, I know.” – South African church song

Shuttered windows,
tightly latched doors
cannot prevent dark clouds
from entering
my room
disturbing
my silence and prayers.

Never alone, I seek
my angel-whisperer
to bring my plea
to heaven’s ears,
“Yahweh, lift this shadowed yoke.”

Sharply, an explosive laugh
starting in my belly spews
forth through my lips
with a dangerous language
to remind me,
cowards sleep an easy peace.