The Darkness, The Light

By what act of God or thunder full of might
Do I now tread alone this valley floor unaided?
So was my father here abandoned in his plight
Though the eternal fire of his heart seemed unfaded.

This darkness that spills into my wandering way,
Is birthed from demons of a hellish nation.
They coax me not to step from night to day,
And give their praise to a God of lesser station.

Though my heart's fire burns strong, it served my father not --
In this same darkness his light was soon extinguished.
How can I pretend I am a better man? My destiny is wrought
From the embers my forefathers in me relinquished.

They, too, wavered along this narrow path for years
And found their God only absent in their need.
For they whispered into the ears of dead men their fears
While the forces of darkness upon them did feed.

And though my father's errant steps did bring me here,
Unable do I feel in measure to carry on his mantle.
For in this murky gloom far and wide only can I fear
That my words, my prayers, my flickering candle

Will also be consumed. For all his faults he did not deserve
To perish here unanswered, his wandering all in vain.
Therefore from this darkness, God, I entreat you to preserve
A route of passage through this world of gloom and pain.

Transform this darkness that shrouds my path to light
That I may continue through this valley with my heart afire.
And also light my eyes afire so might I have sight,
For I know that all my fathers would make this their desire.

Though I am only progeny of countless lives unheeded,
I atone for sins that are not mine -- my soul seeks preservation.
For I have faith that in their hearts they only felt unneeded
And that the light of faith I have will be my own salvation.

Randy Hurst