alchera project #26

option 2

put yourself in an unfavorable situation--perhaps you're in the middle of a break-up with someone you love, your job is in jeopardy, or maybe you're even saying your final words at a loved one's funeral. write a poem with interchanging lines of speech and thought. your first line should be what you're saying out loud and the second line should be what you're thinking (this line should either be in a different color or, preferably, in italics). the situation in which you find yourself is up to you, but remember it should generally be an adverse one.

bed 13, ward 42, san raffaele hospital

the lord is my shepherd, i shall not be in want.
forgive me for coming to you only when in need,
he makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
when he hears my heart burst open and bleed,
he restores my soul.
when it dies a hollow, black death,
he guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
the name i now whisper under my breath ,
even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
and feel his gaze draw life from within me,
i will fear no evil, for you are with me;
i will fear no evil - if you are with me,
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
the caduceus can do no more than console,
you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
as i drink my fill from the drip,
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
into the ocean of forgiveness that begins at your lip,
surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and pain, for what few days remain,
and i will dwell in the house of the lord forever.
where at long last, i find calm once again.