captivity.

march like a good boy because people like you
your substitute for love
your manufactured jesus, like a patch to numb the void
reform the internal addict strung out on a higher standard
remind him of here now good enough
stay in the fence dig for worms head down work earn
struggle.
like everyone else
captive hope like caged eagles in chicken yards
keeps safety in numbers
because you’re too smart to believe in eternal life.

at home among the rubble of unwanted waste
your substitute for provision
run to the dump truck through the diesel exhaust
like a child running to look honey, daddy’s home
dig your hands like weathered war veterans through the scrap
find your dinner search for money head down work earn
struggle.
like sewer rats
captive hope like cocoons caught in wicked webs
keeps injustice in abstract worlds
because you’re only real until people change the channel.

forfeiting joy for deliverance from guilty conscience
your substitute for grace
remembered mistakes recycle condemnation in the gut
pay penance to the deaf judge and jury of performance
tell them you’re sorry you tried you’ll try harder
have to be perfect prove your worth head down work earn
struggle.
like unfit servants
captive hope like blindfolded children on a doorstep
keeps value in perfection
because worth is only found in the flawless.

Yet grace was given to each of us –


the doubting,

the faceless,

the culpable,

all in proportion to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore it is said,
When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive
and He bestowed gifts on men.
God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince, Leader, Savior, Deliverer and Preserver:
He loves those who love Him, and those who seek Him early and diligently shall find Him.
Turn and simply belive in Him – and you will find


faith,

sustenance,

and love.

(Scripture References: Ephesians 4:7-9, Acts 5:31, Proverbs 8:17, Luke 8:50)