On Opening My Door

A thousand dismal doubts dance in my mind.
The chains of fear enmesh my captive soul
And in these cycles,thoughts remained confined
Within a dark abyss, a noisesome hole.
And through the glass the field I see.
The gulls in white with holy crows attend
The sacrament of eating food that's free.
Is healing there, a salve my soul to mend?
I open up the door and walk in green
And scores of birds make music with their trills.
The dark abyss is now no longer seen.
New hope now comes with late forgotten thrills.
No roof above, no chains confine my mind.
I'm free for joy in Thee myself to find.

Peter M. Grinham 23rd January 2009

Now

Now

Long not for beauty on a distant shore,
But at your feet seek now your treasure store.
In England's lanes you'll find your soul's demands.
Not in exotic streets of fabled lands.

Long not for gifts beyond your scope or ken.
God gives enough within the hearts of men.
The tools and arms for struggle lie within
The purlieu of His gifts. Beyond is sin.

Long not for long forsaken joys of youth
Within the now there lie essential truth.
Both yearnings for the past and future dreads,
Destroy our peace and keep us from our beds.

Within contentment lies the soul's delight
Not in the ecstasy of one glad night.
Strive with your soul and use your gifts to find
The balance of real peace of heart and mind.

Published in Island Inspirations3 an anthology of Mersea Writers' works, sold for charity