looking up into Your face
i do not hear the battle blazing
envy’s shrapnel descending ‘round
sending dust into my eyes

looking up into Your face
i do not feel the burn of fire
the unrequited heat of lust
licking red my blistered skin

looking up into Your face
i do not smell the odours foul
the levitation of sour truth
inhaled in place of sweet pure air

looking up into Your face
i do not see ecstasy’s shallow grin
resting casually upon Your lips
shining wet with wanton dew

looking up into Your face
i do not taste the rise of bile
the treasonous gorge of disgust
ascending unbidden into my mouth

looking up into Your face
there is only Your love
shining in my darkness,
leading me onward to Your saving grace