Waiting.
I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Would they be nice? Would they speak English? What would they think of me? What would they think of our family?
My family and I were waiting near the last baggage claim, waiting for a long time, waiting for our Japanese relatives. Grandma Notsu would be there; Uncle Hiroo and Aunt Katsuko would accompany her. They were probably on the plane now…or off it, figuring out where to go.
Captain Aurelius Cassian held his breath. He prayed to Juno for a son for months after he was told of the pregnancy, and he sent incense to Jupiter for a princely fellow, Venus and Cupid for a boy of comely appearance, and Mars for a suitable warrior of Rome. He begged the gods for an heir.
Now, he waited for the result of his prayers.
It was snowing again.
Disclaimer: I don’t love any of my rabbits more than the others, despite how this story may sound. All of them have had a special place in my heart, and I treasure every one of them. Now on to the story:
I am empty and torn,
sad and forlorn,
I do not understand why.
I should be happy for you,
with all you’ve been through,
so why is it so hard to try?
I thought I’d be there,
to help and to care,
not miles from your side.
I thought God was clear,
and my intentions sincere,
but I almost feel like He lied.
I know it’s not true,
cause that’s not what You do,
and there’s always a purpose and plan.
But at times I don’t know,
if I am to go,
or remain here where I stand.
Byron paused on his walk. He was sure there was a girl crying in that little alcove behind the bushes, but he wasn't sure if he should intrude. He saw the retreating back of one of the bigger football players and decided to forge ahead through the shield of green.
"Hey," his tone was soothing and served to calm the tempestuous storm which raged behind the girl's dewy eyes, though she started like a wild deer when she heard his footsteps.
"Oh." She tried to dash the water from her cheeks.
"So that's what you are,"
He whispered in awe.
"Yes, that is what I am; no more, no less. So take me as I am, or leave me. All I ask is that you decide quickly, and spare me the pain of waiting."
Her soft voice came in halts, strangely foreign to her normally smooth tones. It barely sounded above the pouring rain.
He watched the water drip through her eyelashes and slowly roll down the bridge of her nose while he prepared his answer.
***
here i am, Lord, hear my plea
broken deeply, never free
lacking strength to even come
hither to Thy throne above.
wretched sinner, such as i
will you take me, here, tonight
save a sinner, mend a soul
will You make my shattered whole?
splintering my hardened heart
splitting shackles clean apart
cleansing my will to be Thine,
will You rest a wearied mind?
will You turn this life around
hell to heaven, skies from ground
turning night to brightest Day
will you lift me, now, today?
Neither am I worthy
To go as He didst go
For I in faith to lose myself
Would be not such a woe
And so now I am waking up
As I am put to sleep
Mine eyes are op'ed and lifted up
As physic'lly are my feet
So mercy rains upon my head
And Love looks down on me
While hands are pierced as His once were
And peace makes fear to flee
For me to die is such a gain
I dared not hope to have
While death's sharp sting is cancelled out
In light of His pure blood
By a lonely road stands a lonely light,
‘Neath the clouded full moon above.
A dismal stretch of a country path,
Devoid of warmth and love.
A traveler stands on the lonely road,
Looking both to the left and the right,
And turns to walk down the lonely road,
Lit by the lonely light.
Houses full of Christmas cheer,
Windows glow warmly within,
But the shutter is closed, the curtains are drawn,
And no one invites him in.
As he reaches a fork in the lonely road,
A lantern’s light draws his eye.