Soul-Singed
A poem of lament, refining, and hope
Author Note:
Our northeastern US is suffering under wildfire smoke trapped by the heat and humidity. One step outside had me scurrying for an N95 mask, but smoke still seeped in and triggered my asthma.
The burnt smell and yellow haze lingered, prompting wordplay and this creation.
Soul-Singed
the world’s on fire
with smoke in my lungs
i traverse the trail
masked against the tongues
i crouch
flames rush outward
to grab at my feet
then engulf and char
refining dross steep
i smolder
and choke so I swerve,
forge trails through weeds
desperately searching
holy waters in need
i stumble
closer to the day
when unmasked I may run
right past the fires that
seared and so stung
fueled by the Spirit
on strong eagles’ wings
i breathe
no longer soul-singed
by stain or sin’s sting
i sing
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7, ESV
For Prayer:
Jesus, when life’s fires leave me weary and soul-singed, hold me close. Lift me on Your strength, breathe hope into my lungs, and make my life a song that points back to You.
And for those fighting the actual blazes, we pray for protection, endurance, and help with the battles.
AMEN.
For Worship:
An oldie but goodie: Refiner’s Fire by LifeGen Worship (link)
References:
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2025 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Photos by 1) BUNYAMIN GORUNMEZ and 2) Emma Renly and 3) gaf clitz on Unsplash