When I Arrive Poem by Trevor Toews

When I arrive, in tattered garments,
And tarnished armor, dented shield and sword.
I’ll feel so filthy from the earthly battle,
So weak and feeble and undone.
Not worthy to be standing in the presence of the Lord.

But then,
They will wash me, groom me, make me clean again.
Just like they’ve done so many times before.
But this time I’ll cast off the filthy rags the final time,
And robes of splendor will be mine
Forevermore.

Then on a cushion, royal and prestine,
With dazzling emeralds that the world has never seen,
A crown, a glistening crown they’ll give me.
I’ll bow my head, and forward lean.
Not to receive it, but in utter disbelief, unworthy.
I will remember all the times I failed, and fell
And reverently realize that it was my Lord, my Savior, Jesus,
He alone rescued me from certain Hell.

Clad in a robe, unspotted.
Crowned with the finest gleaming gems
I’ll stand erect, relieved to put off all the earthly likeness.
Replaced by cuffs of gold and beaded hem.
And I will nod to tell them I am ready,
To see the place that will be my new Home,
Feeling more prepared than I ever did before,
I’ll even say that I feel worthy to be led before the Throne.

Then in a hush, a long and splendid hallway.
With million harps in distant harmony,
I’ll step through solid jasper doors,
Full tonic chords, the silver sea, the freshest air,
And there,
I’ll finally see.
I’ll finally see
The One who died for me.

Too brilliant, too perfect He, and I too fresh from earthly things
Speechless, motionless, a long rapt moment.
The harping fades, unconscious of all else,
I will behold the King of all other kings.
I’ll stand, my new resplendent garments
Eclipsed by Him.
And then,
Unworthy, I will cast that crown of gold and stars and sapphire at His sacred feet.
Like filthy rags again.