In the flushed flesh hours
of base consciousness I press
For the firebrand in Your Divine hand to bless
By a touch my lips so my heart's spirit fire
May rise in heat and light and my mind liberate
From material centered thoughts that profit not the soul.
Lord God, Creator of all things known and unknown,
I implore You to dwell in my being and vivify me,
For I am not just gristle and bone glued by blood,
Not just a mass of minerals and chemicals,
Not just a confederation of organs in unison,
Swimming in blood like creatures under the water.
Greater joy you have shown me than a firmament
I have known to divide the boiling waters.
I have seen dry land appear but once,
And I have dwelt on its composition.
In my body there are diamondlike and ruby-red soldiers,
Some to fight invaders and some to bless the life.
Let my heart sound praise and thanks to You,
Almighty ruling the universe from Your great throne.
I feel the wheel of the sun pushing my mind and body
Through stages like the fixed constellations or like
The measured scribblings of the electroencephalograph,
Yet these are but beasts that like the four seasons
Glorify your Holy name, Jehovah of eternal power.
Let Your seven spirits each morning touch me,
As surely as rising morning stars glow.
Let Your power infuse my glands and blood,
And kiss the face of the deep if there be a flood.
