Feelings Armour Masked Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

Sadly a mask
by any other name
would not hurt
any less intensely.

The mask allows us
to go on at least
yet awhile with tears
safely hidden

behind a smile.
As our feet we set
anew, we struggle
on, strive to get

through, as our other
cheek, we turn anew.
And pray with good
Grace, good turns to

do. We wear a mask
our muddied flesh, yet
in Christ our Savior;
we are eternally blessed.


‘Take up the complete
suit of armour from God.’
Stand firm in loins girded
about with truth, wearing

breastplate of righteousness
feet shod in the equipment,
of the good news of peace.
‘Above all things, take up,

the large shield of faith,
with which YOU will be
able to quench all the
wicked one’s burning

missiles. Also, accept the
helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the spirit,
that is, God’s word, while

with every form of prayer
and supplication YOU
carry on prayer on every
occasion in spirit. And to

that end keep awake with
all constancy and with
supplication in behalf of
all the holy ones, ’ Therefore

attack in the ‘power in [the]
Lord and in the mightiness
of his strength.’ For YOU are
a warrior in Christ armoured

to face not flee Christ’s enemies.
The enemy cannot ever defeat thee
a martyr’s crown in heaven awaits;
all who in Christ die for their faith.


Copyright © Terence George Craddock
Ephesias 6: 13-15
Ephesias 6: 16-18
Ephesias 6: 10