Like Doves

by Deanna Harrison Neilson

(inspired by Isa. 60:8)

The cloak from heaven fell,

and blackness hid the truth from men’s eyes.

They groped and searched;

blinded eyes,

sightless,

searched the skies

for the face of deity.

Who are these

whose evil deeds

scarred Earth’s face

and spilled outwards into darkness?

The shattered remnants of truth,

like fading dreams, were lost

amidst the echoes of demon laughter.

The pagan rituals screamed blasphemy,

and men crouched,

yearning for death’s cold hands

to cover their faces—

and Earth groaned

beneath her tremendous burden.

God, in mercy, has restored the light,

though men still grope,

unable to recognize what they so desperately need.

And who are these

that fly as a cloud,

and like doves to their windows?

Like Noah’s dove,

bringing the gladdest of tidings,

God’s messengers come,

clutching truth so tightly.

Pray, oh pray,

that those to whom they wing their way

will welcome these doves

who bring them light.