Trees Walking

When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida,

people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.

Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked,

“Do you see anything?”

Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.”

Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly;

his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.

Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”

Matthew 8:22-26

I see the shadows flocking
like ravens ever near,
unceasing in their cawing
that burrows in my ear,
and death behind me stalking,
and traps to catch me here,
and people like trees walking,
a forest dark with fear.

But still the light has drawn me:
O Savior, take my hands
and place your own upon me.
Release me from these bands
that keep the day from dawning
on overshadowed lands.
Let mercy settle on me
like sparks from your bright glance.

My heart and mind now kindle
'til all the shadows flee,
their fearsome whispers dwindle,
and death abandons me.
Your sparks upon my tinder,
your flame consuming me,
my thoughts at last unhindered:
How clearly, Lord, I see!