here i stand, in this bleak and forsaken place
the crackle of fire resounding ceaselessly in my ears
a hot desert sun beats down on my head
making the valley burn like a furnace
the slow burn of my anger
it consumed me like a ravenous beast
i fed it more and more
the memories that rankled and burned like acid
my tongue, it cleaves to the roof of my mouth
and my eyes have ceased to tear from the grit of dust
the harsh cries of crows are mocking me
raca! raca! their never ending mantra
i called you an immense fool
my gross assessment of your character
kept me blind and deaf
unaware of the fate that awaited me in the valley
my body, desperately crying out for some relief
in this vale that mourns the blood of innocent children
nearly falls to the ground in its feebleness
who can wash me clean from my sin?
i had the chance to be clean
but i kept my pet, my utter resentment
cuddled up to my chest
where it gorged itself on my soul, piece by piece
i beg mercy of Him now in my despair
my heart leaden in my chest
it’s then that i feel the first drop of rain
as the doors of heavens open on me
a holy and purifying deluge sweeps in
it washes away the guilt and shame
and there in the midst of it all
i find myself in the hollow of His hand.
Based on Matthew Henry's commentary on the Biblical passage of Matthew 5:21-26, which mentions the most severe punishment for ****** being death by burning in the Valley of the sons of Hinnom. The valley itself had a rather gruesome history already, as the site of countless child sacrifices.