May 11–17 ❘ View from Nebo

View from Nebo

From Pisgah’s peak, I see
bleak desert stretched behind me,
dotted with hidden springs
of miracle, each a stepping stone
across a valley of shadow and sacrifice.

Before lies a sweeping vision
of green land flowing with cream
and sweetness, crackling with fat
of roasted meat and browned crusts
of fresh-baked bread. I see peace
and rest and fullness ahead

but I cannot find my way forward.
Have I wandered in wilderness
so long only to fall short?
Have I made some ancient error
for which I must ever bear
unintended consequence?

Perhaps I am not always guilty
when the Lord withholds
what I want. He calls to me,
invites if I’m willing to exchange
my promised land for His own.

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com