by Maryella Desak Sirmon

The Church

That which belongs to the Lord
because
He calls it into being
He dwells within it
He rules over it
He realizes His purpose through it


He calls us into being — one God
Voice varied as the ears that hear
Fiery tongue from bush unburned
Name whispered in the night
Angel song …  “Behold”  “Why seek ye”
Thundering demand in a blinding light

He dwells within us — one Spirit
Yet father of many children
One rich in discernment, another mercy
Some with talents ten, others only one
All subject to a fearful bond
Perfect freedom through the Son

He rules over us — one Law
Love Him, love neighbor as He does
Come now and follow this good gift
Believe, have faith, grace to obey
Love without bargain, blessed in brokenness
Flowing forever, lighting the way

He realizes His purpose in us — one Church
Bride, elect, chosen, servant, child
Branches pruned, fruit expected
Into the world, sweet sheep are sent
Give much of treasure, time, and talent
Full circle forms, a holy covenant

Maryella Desak Sirmon is a wife, mother, physician, and poet.  She serves as Chalice Bearer and Lector in her church. Much of her work has been scribbled at odd hours on paper scraps found in the pocket of a white coat. She has an abiding interest in the world we live in, the stories we tell each other, and the art of medicine. Her poetry and essay have been published in The Annals of Internal Medicine, The Oracle Fine Arts Review, October Hill Magazine, Pulse – Voices of Medicine, The Poet, Deep South Magazine, Delta Poetry Review and three anthologies. Her work has been reprinted in This Side of Doctoring and The Arduous Touch. She has work forthcoming in The Annals of Internal Medicine and a fourth anthology, The America Collection.