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.