"He Put a New Song in My Mouth"

Once in a great while, I’m given the gift of a song. Although I write poetry fairly often, writing a song is much rarer occurrence. When words come to me with melody attached, I try very hard to listen and get it down.

That’s what happened this morning. I thought I'd share the result with you.

I couldn’t sing a song of love

If I forgot your name

The sun and moon and stars above

They all call out your name

But these tired ears are not in tune

And this heart so crammed there is no room

And I’ve forgotten how to dance in rain

Although the very drops sing out your name

I couldn’t sing a song of love

If I forgot your name

The blades of grass and blooming fields

They all announce your name

But these eyes are dry with unshed tears

And this back is bent from heavy fears

And I’ve lost my way upon this lane

Although every street sign bears your name

I couldn’t sing a song of love

If I forgot your name

The man who sits upon the bench

His face cries out your name

Open my eyes and ears to see and hear

Release my aching bones from doubt and fear

Remind me of your great and loving name

And set my whole self dancing in your rain

Oh I can sing a song of love

Because I know your name

I join a host of wondrous ones

Who all call out your name

And one day we’ll circle round your throne

We’ll come to know your name has been our home

And our memories will not fail again

We’ll dance forever in your reign

~EMP, 7/26/13