Pilgrims in this land of shadows.
A land of darkness and of death,
Filled with labor and with sorrow—
Of time and innocence bereaved.

Ever increasing fear and harm,
Never-ceasing cares and alarm.
Faithfully withstanding life’s storm,
Until God speaks a word of calm.

Betimes to plod ‘neath skies of gray.
Betimes bearing the heat of May.
But always with a praise and song
To pack their tents and move along.

Heav’nward pilgrims, tho' betimes worn,
Seeking a city—with love adorned.

I have lived to see the big 6-0.
How humbled and grateful I am.
Many a restless night there were;
At times my faith seemed jammed.

Oh, what a struggle it has been,
Tho' Word and faith were all I knew.
When curve and bend seemed like the end,
The Lord was sure to see me through.

Oft' the way grew dark and dreary;
As for my fate, I had no clue.
When everything was slipping fast,
I needed something to cling to.

So, I clung tightly to God’s will;
He guided, and is guiding still.

Today you’ve given me a song
A song for times when I am sad.
When nothing seems to be just right
And the world seems to have gone mad.

A song to brighten up the skies
With the presence of a rainbow,
To remind of your gracious love
Protecting from life’s sharpest blow.

A song to sing in the dead of night
The night of life tho’ dark it be.
A song that generates comfort
And sets life’s weary prisoners free.

A song that is so full of hope
It gives me the strength to go on.
A song that is so full of love,
I’ll be singing it till I’m gone.

Oh love so heavenly and true,
How beautiful You are to me.
Fairer than the glistening stars
Or rolling hills, river and sea.
My soul is drawn enchantingly
Oh love to whom my heart belongs.
All mesmerized, and faithfully,
I sing to You this lover‘s song.
A love for all eternity
And not just for a thousand years.
‘Yon life and death—all that befalls
Of sickness, health, joy and fears.
This dowry of a song, so pure,
Is for my love—long to endure.
© 2015 Walterrean Salley

The waves.
They come and go,
As if they have no clue
Of what to do.
They carry away,
And they bring.  
A dubious song to sing.
Double minded
And ever changing.
But isn’t that the nature
Of waves?

Peeping from behind
A mulberry tree,
The little wildflower, taciturn,
Seemed quiet and shy,
Nonetheless beautiful.

Life’s sweet
Moments are too
Precious. There’s not an inch
To lose. Blink an eye, and you’re sure
To miss.