FEAR

STRAINED...as the hearts of two best friends awarring—
TIGHT...as the temper of the jungle cat aroaring—
TAUT...as the rope of a metal giant mooring—
Oh, my body when fear doth fill it.

SHRILL...as the cry before battling swords are crossed—
QUICK...as the racing of the running river tossed—
LOOSE...as the sail of whose living breath is lost—
Oh, my tongue when fear doth fill it.

FULL...as the ocean’s tempest, turgid tide—
SAFE...as the cub sleeping by its mother’s side—
SURE...as the sun giving shining light to guide—
Thus my heart when fear doth flee it.

© 2000 K.K. Pullen