(Prayer-Psalm: a hymn for the nation in the wake of 9/11.)

Almighty Deliverer, save our nation—
The land that you have given us.
The heritage of our fathers,
Founded upon a godly trust.

Our banner waves against the sky,
Stars and stripes flying high.

Though storm clouds rage,
The hope of the ages
Will ever be our Light—
To go before and guide the way
That we shall not fear the night.

(A Melodic Composition: exhortation
to trust in the Lord.)

Trust in me. Believe in me
To protect you from all harm.
No evil shall betide you;
I will hold you in my arms.
Come and hide
In the shadow of my wings.
You can call unto me
For anything.
I am there to supply your needs.
Only trust in me.

Lord in your goodness hear and answer me
My enemies surround me they plot my demise
With wicked words they seek to trap me
Day and night they scheme with evil in their hearts
I fear for my life my safety Oh Lord my God
Lord in your goodness hear and answer me

They lie in the shadows watching and waiting
Waiting for a moment of weakness to pounce
But you my God are my protector in trouble
You are my shield and my strength
Lord in your goodness hear and answer me

I cry out to you come save me from these wolves
Hear my pleas Oh Lord and save me in my distress
Deliver me from my foes and by your right hand guard me
I trust in you God come swiftly to my aid
Lord in your goodness hear and answer me

What is wrong with you?
Hold this little book close,
the best of friends
and you’ll know why I’ll reach
         the breaking point

Searing memories of love gone past,
pillars of sand that buckle
at high tide's first crash.
The castle carefully crafted with ***** firmly
in hand, but the waves destroyed it,
my walls, my structure, my protection
and then ran, leaving trailing footprints
outlined in the sand of its receding wake.