To pretend what is, is otherwise.
To speak harsh sentences in the quiet of the night when no one else hears but oneself.
To hold one’s breath day after day, climbing into a building that is on fire.
To know what is good but pursue what is evil, letting it fasten its teeth into you.
To hear the still, small Voice whispering but pretend it is not there.
To feel tears rise up from the deepest wells of the soul but forbid them to come forth.
To see arms outstretched for embrace yet turn away.
To extend the unending cycle of activity but never to be still and know what matters most.
To never rest.
To never pray.
To blind oneself to the beauty passing by each day and in every moment.
To mistake great things for meaningful things.
To attempt to make a name for oneself but never be still enough to hear the name already given.
To rip the roots of one’s life from history in hopes of becoming free.
To forsake the simple joys of life—a breeze rustling through a leafy tree in summer, a sunset at the day’s end, the taste of fresh fruit, embracing one we love.
To exchange contentment for consuming.
To settle for happiness’s fleeting flavors instead of the enduring feast of joy.
Discover more from Matthew Erickson
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Matthew Erickson 
oh yes!
This is beautiful. Thank you Matt. Everyone is stressed out, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger. I feel many times it’s because of these crimes against self, crimes against the abundant life God wants to give us.
I’m going to read this to our kids this SabGath meal and discuss!
LOVE
“Wow….you really outdid yourself this time Matt!!”
How very profound and deeply moving in that it reaches deep into the depths of your Soul!!
Jim Krueger
Thanks Matt for the reflection. It gives me pause!
Matt – challenging words but oh so needed. Thanks for sharing that
I’ve thought this premise many times this past 6 months of others. How sad. Your words fit many appropriately, thank you.
Thank you Pastor Matt. I resonated deeply with this poem. You seem to express things that so many of us feel. It made me feel less alone in the struggle.