I will guard my ways that I may,
So that I not sin with my tongue;
For muzzling my mouth through each day,
Allowing not evil be flung.
I was quiet and held my peace,
Even silent from speaking good;
But sorrow stirred pain would not cease,
Knowing in my heart of what should.
My heart was growing hot within,
While musing the fire burned;
I spoke with my tongue against sin,
As I saw so many had yearned.
Show me the end of my life, Lord,
Along with the number of days;
So, I can live in one accord,
For following in all your ways.
You have made my days short in length,
My life span nothing in your sight;
From day to day You give me strength,
As I try to be your delight.
Man walks about as a shadow,
Frantically rushing in vain;
Thoughts in the mind are merely shallow,
Only causing you to feel pain.
Now O Lord, what do I hope for,
Because my hope is within You;
Waiting till You open the door,
Allowing me for coming through.
Deliver me from transgressions,
No longer as the taunt of fools;
Surely You hear my confessions,
Whenever I had broken rules.
I am speechless, my lips are sealed,
Because of all that you have done;
Knowing that secrets are revealed,
When the victory has been won.
Remove Your agony from me,
I fade from the force of Your hand;
But not before insight to see,
Of about the final command.
O spare me of Your angry gaze,
Cheerfully go before I die;
Recovering strength in these days,
So, I no longer have to cry.
Copyright © 2018 Richard Newton Sherrer
