Grace

By Mulotong T Jamir

Chosen before the womb! Such is a miracle!

Dressed in unsearchable gold and the finest silk.

So were we descended with the gift of free will.

Wealthy of unseen riches! For we hope in the unknown.

To sing praises and glory, for deeds before words!

“You are all my precious children”, said Father.

Adolescence perhaps served as a guardian to us.

Perhaps we were burdened a sole duty,

Of passing on the anointing of the olive oil.

Alas! I say! Rather the worldly desires of the flesh,

We welcomed the strangers into our homes!

“Why do you flee from me?”, asked Father.

Tossed and churned into the turmoil,

The heavenly robes exchanged for a casket.

With eyes burning of lust, love is preached.

Tongues of snakes and scorpions!

The honor of the loved ones sold for a gossip!

“Come back to me”, said Father.

Denial and sorrow, ashamed of one’s existence.

What is the comfort of a woman?

If the weight of guilt anchors us to Death.

The whispers of merry making with mockers,

The vile deception of loneliness and sadness.

“What did you ever gained from it?” asked Father.

Sleepless nights, fear stalks like a lion.

Hungry to devour the weak, my heart is faint. 

Uncertainty strikes like thunder and lightning!

Will tomorrow or the very evening be the end?

Consumed by poison and malice, the good days are reminiscence.

Oh! How I wish this little hope of mine will deliver me!

“Begone the prince of the damned!” rebuked Father.

Now come! Invites the alpha and the omega.

The angels’ triumphs over victory, the heaven sings!

Rest in me, and I will in you, such are his words.

Be like little children and it shall be done for you.

Death, conquered! My lost sheep has been found!

By Mulotong T Jamir