The Promise Poem by Jeffrey Stultz

I looked on the horizon
Squinting at the dust,
A barren rocky landscape,
As far as I could see.

The desert heat oppressed me
It strove to bear me down
My mouth was dry and thirsty
No water could be found.

I sought for shade and comfort
Relief from endless pain
To wet my lips would suffice
No point in wanting rain.

As if to mock my misery,
And taunt me once again,
The wind rose to strike at me,
And hurl the sand into my eyes.

I sank to my knees exhausted
With the effort to remain upright
My cry for mercy muffled
By the howl of the raging wind.

Suddenly the calm returned
The storm had passed me by
From another compass point
A breeze began to blow.

Within it I sensed a change
A smell of moisture and relief
Bringing water for the thirsty
And for the captive, his release.

Look toward the horizon
And see the gathering clouds,
A promise of life pouring down
To wash our dusty hearts.

© 2006