The Call to Prayer

I hear the call to prayer
A wail really
I wonder that I've noticed it
This time

It seems to have faded
Into the background
So that I rarely hear it anymore
I am struck by the wail
A lament
A cry

I wonder
Who and what are they calling out for?
Will anyone hear or heed their voice?

The night sky closes in
The stars sparkle
Clearly twinkle
In the expanse above

A whisper
A silent prayer I offer
For those who are lost
As I heed
The call to prayer

Marsabit Memories

The smiles of the African children

The delight in their eyes

The sweet innocence

Struck with awe and wonder

By the simplest things

Chalk on the front stoop

Colorful balloons twirling in the air

Lasting only for a moment

Before a thorn triumphs

Bursting them into a thousand pieces

So much joy and so much glee

If only for a short time

Fleeting as the setting sun at twilight

It is light

And then it is dark

Totally black

Except for the twinkling stars above

Pinpoints of light

So sharp in the equatorial sky

Noises in the night

The constant hum of exotic insects

The soft crooning of an unknown bird

The melodious sound of neighbors' voices

Lifted in praise

It is so far away and yet so near

As near as the beating heart within me

The smiles of the African children

The Watch in the Night

Watchmen in the night
Sleeping
dreaming
Ever an unconstant vigil

Shots in the night
Breath catching
Hearts racing
Unexpected events

God is watching in the night
Guards are sleeping
We are safely
Covered in the shadow of His wings

Preparing to Sail

All hands—Wake  up! Wake up!

Return from your slumber and rest,

And turn your thoughts to sailing west.

Let your nighttime dreams pass away,

As you prepare for the dawning

Of a brand new, fresh day.

All hands—Stand up! Stand up,

For the time to sail has come at last.

One climbs to the crows nest atop the mast.

Let your mind be at peace, watch, and pray,

As he searches the horizon

For any signs of today.

All hands—Raise up! Raise up

The sails, pure, spotless and white,

Raise them high and secure them tight.

Let the steady wind fill them without delay,

An unseen power to move the ship

At the sun’s first golden ray.

All hands—Look up! Look up

To your master and commander now,

Who stands strong and tall at the bow.

Let Him, your captain, chart the way,

As your vessel embarks again,

His great glory to display!