And now of beauty may we speak

And now of beauty may we speak
For here our hearts have longed to seek
Such splendor and grace
Upon thee often do we trace

Within the winds
That warmth suspends
Its gracious coat
Doth wrap us in

The fragrance of a distant rose
May cleanse us of our former woes
The taste of fresh found fruit
Tis sweet and succulent to our soul

The touch most tender
The feeling so soft and smooth
As silk should surround us
And welcome us in

Yet these wonders in themselves
Merely tease our troubled hearts
For they speak of a glorious art
Of which we only know in part

We wish to live inside the dream itself
To be one with it and a part
Of that which makes it shine

And these are but a taste of the divine
Those things that ought to turn our hearts
To where the source of sunlight shines

A rich and fuller place than this
A deeper and vaster expanse
A wonder beyond shall draw us in

If we will but let its wonder in
And cast our crude
Comparable counterfeits aside

And come towards the light
Of that open door
The hunger our hearts have longed
For but a taste more

Tis better than anything
This life hath known
For it is the source of all things
Once before and yet once more

For all we know of beauty
Tis but a drop from that great
Ocean of wealth

Where once life for us itself began
Twas wondrous to behold
In those days of old

When man and God
Didst walk
Astride

And there was nothing
Between of which to hide

Shall soon again
That glory know
If we will but humbly
Withdraw and go

Into that land
That place
Where life again shall be

That wonder beyond the sea
Where all unknown
No more a mystery

For we shall live
In that eternal place
Where God and man
Once more shall be
Face to face

-Joshua Lee Foist

Inspired in part from C.S. Lewis's:
“Glory as Brightness, Splendour, Luminosity,” from The Weight of Glory

Of this my heart must confess

Of this my heart must confess
I have known thee oft in loneliness
Thy melancholy heart doth feel
Despite the wintry chill
It seems the days they come and go

Whether the spring or the snow
Will ere begin to change
In time perchance
The doubts may turn to dreams

These hopes and longings still
May someday in time
Come true

How oft I wonder through the haze
Of glorious sunrise
At beginning of days

Yet what round the corner find
So pessimistic my demise
Doth take its place
As my disguise
Of hope of longing
In your eyes

Tis feeble and folly true
To all too often think of you
And yet I do - I do
Of this I can't deny

And yet I often wonder why
Seasons come and go
Yet some things never change

Will my heart cease to beat
As once before
When you no more
Come walking through
That open door

Too much invested
Too many sleepless nights
Unrested

And for what
Tis not all of life
Found in this

Though joy is found
In momentary bliss
And we remember this
Yes, remember this

But not long may we
Grow old shall see
The days grow short
In time

Long after this rhyme
Hath past
Sublime

Twill know a love
That's always true
A love that once
Perchance
Thought I found in you

And whether here
Or some far off place
I trust will find
Us in thy grace

Where time seems
To stand yet still
And all of life
On earth
Lost its thrill

The will to live
To dream again
It hopes beyond
The world of men

And looks yet far
And farther still
To that long awaited
Place

Where hopes fulfilled
And tears replaced
With joy and grace
To carry on
Beyond the dawn
And close of day

-Joshua Lee Foist

And if tomorrow never came

And if tomorrow never came
Could I my burden bare
To tell you what's inside
How to cast away my pride
And let you know what's there
Could courage shroud despair

There are times so oft
When longing seems forever
And patience though a treasure
Too long to measure
Is tempted by its pleasure

Yea virtue must remain
If all thy sorrows
Yet before and evermore
Should come this day
None could fill the void
Save one

Tis he who says when all is done
For him and him alone
Who sits upon the throne
No earthly home can compare
Yet wipes away he every tear
And all thy fear
Tis gone away
When cares are cast
And all is past

A love for none as he
Can know
No earthly form
Could so adorn
No richness find
As the divine
For in all darkness
His light will shine

When night is turned
To day
And all thy sorrows
Gone away
Shall come shall come
The rising sun
Rising in his glory
Come
Shall rise he in his glory
Shine
The man, the God
Divine

-Joshua Lee Foist

Oh thee faint heart

Oh thee faint heart
Why so thou flutter within
As so thee gaze upon the world of men
For all of it and troubled by it
Yea as them too thee share in sin
Canst keep none from that which
Is buried deep in they skin

For thy longings
Thy passions
Dreams and desires
And earthen things
Of which thy soul aspires

Let thee not grow weary
Of the day to day
In its sheer simplicity
Yet may thee find its joy
And rest in this season
May thee by it be blessed

For thee know not of where
Thy journey may lead
How near or far
When thy days
Shall come to
Their end

Yet for that which is
Today
Strive then to live
To live in the shadow
Of the one who hath tread
Thy path partaken
Thy road ahead

Faithful is he
And sure shall see
No other traveler
Along the way
Canst carry thy load
As he

Not love of another
Of earthly measure
May forever fulfill
Thine every pleasure
For the treasure of him
Is sweet in taste
Its touch so tender
And gentle its grace

For love was fashioned
From his faithful form
Twas reflected in his example
Though in crudeness
The quality of thy counterfeit
May point in part
To his glorious work of art

So shall contentment be found
In him shall it abound
For whether thee may find
A pleasure of human endeavor
Or never shall know
Thy treasure is found
In that which shall surely
Increase

The richness, the grandness
The glory, the grace
Can scarcely imagine
Till forever face to face

Yet day by day
As earthly bodies waste away
That glory, that majesty
Shall calm thee, consume thee
And carry thee away
To lighten thy darkness
And brighten thy day

Shall steal thee aslumber
To thy resting place
Forever and always
In the comfort and care
Of his glory and grace

-Joshua Lee Foist

Ah for these few found quiet days

Ah for these few found quiet days
Where ere they come
To fix one's gaze
With bright illuminating eyes

The turn of tides
The shifting sands
Tossing and turning
Pond'ring and yearning

Light begins to burn
Through and stain
The colors that rain down
Pass through the leaves
Their life lives in these
As slowly turns the greens to gold
And orange to vibrant red
Till passing leaves it dead
When buff tis blown away
To settle in the ground
And no more to be found

In these passing moments
Dreams at times can fade
Thy currents once close at bay
Now cast thee out and away
Far they flow to sea
In time a mere'd memory

Yet as they travel forth
New currents come to cleanse
And wash away the stains
New life begins to form
And growth begins once more

A new chapter begun
Those former songs unsung
Yet not they ere forgot
Thy lessons they have taught

And with this new beginning
Now slowly taking shape
Begin to see the sun that shines
And warms our hearts again

Each season in its passing
Hath proved its promise true
Some days are harder yet to come
Still for the joys that each
Shall bring to one
Can endure to bear them all a more
And walk and run
Toward the light of the rising sun

-Joshua Lee Foist

There are days like these

There are days like these
Ah far too frequent
And not surprisingly
Find they in autumn

When the air grows cool
And the colors turn
Such glory to behold
To watch the leaves
From gold to gray

Yet for this day
Once more the melancholy
Makes its motion
And fills my emotion
With dismal dismay

As all so oft
Doth it steal me away
Look on these eyes set and full
Their waters lose control
And run they down
Drip drop
To where they stop
And settle in their sorrow

Yet shan't they shade me tomorrow
Thy shadows that sooth
Do so fade away

Tis all an act it seems at times
Can hide thy fears
And longings that truth hath told in thee

So alone linger they
The thoughts
That gather throughout the day

Once saw I
A light within thine eye
Didst shine so brightly
Before once didst die

For once in wonder
Did it look round
Thinking possibilities abound

To have found a friend indeed
To have found in thy greatest need

Perchance thy romance
As oft twas happen-chance
A dream a dance

But now the scene has changed
And yet again
Find we in this haze
Gaze within gaze
Looking out into nothing

For where may despair
Ere but disappear
Can all longing
Find some belonging

True there is one
Who can fill all these fears
Yet oft through the years
So distant and cold
Thy friendship of old

Seems miles of reaching
And where does it lead
Thy former sins
Amended
In time didst seem
Hath ended

Yet in thy sorrow
Oft think thee to borrow
But a bit of ease
To find something that might please

Why doth it often seem
Such things thy soul should require
Tis folly they know and foolishness true
Yet longing within longing
They haunt you
They do

Will it tonight
Once more shall it be
Pull out thy bottle
And drink of thee
Thy poison to nourish
And numb the pain

Nothing in it hath thee to gain
Only to forget and forget awhile
Only to dream
In horror
Somehow in this very hour
Shall find thy sorrow end
And solace shall thee find
Thy one and only friend

Ah no more
Plague with thee these thoughts
The weight too great
Should they debate
Thee to thy one true fate

Tis all an end
Tis all for thee
If only to be rid of it
If only to be free
Might thee find
Thy friend
Scarced human in form
Though truly
Such crudeness could cling
To carry within it a king
Him of whom can bring
Everything
And take away that
Which once had been
Thy sorrow
Thy skin
And welcomes thee in his kin
Yea welcomes thee in
Again

-Joshua Lee Foist

So long scarcely seen september

So long scarcely seen september
Of thee shall we oft remember
Though faded find thy fortune true
Fondly still think we of you

The passing moments had there pleasures
Thy brighter days filled with treasures
Cool came the breeze
That drew us in
Now shall we again
Bid thee farewell

Yet before thee depart
Know that in this troubled heart
Lies yet still thy momentary bliss
A season of this a season shall miss

So may thy journey outward
Be one of glory too
As that day in which
We received you

And so bid we
On thy way
May thy final rays
Bring us still
Brighter days

For summer hath ceased
And autumn released
In spender september
Shall we always remember

-Joshua Lee Foist

Leave thy worries to the wind

Leave thy worries to the wind
Where better there they may depend
Let not the rain thy heart disdain
For in it find thee not always sorrow and pain
Joy may yet shower thee in its wonder
For in thee may find thy friend

Let not thine eye catch thee by
Yet let it lie upon that which shall surely satisfy
Some in season shall thee know
And in season come that go

But what remains
Can never fade
Forever shall thee find
Tis one of a kind

A love yet lingering
Finds thee in thy floundering
And faithfully follows thee
Wherever thee go

Let not thy lusts disguise
Yea yet open thine eyes
To the great and wondrous surprise
Hope lies but a fairbreadth ahead

And there beyond
All wonder
Doth tread

-Joshua Lee Foist

Of august remember we the days

Of august remember we the days
How ere were they spent
Oft were busy
And lonesome went

Yet not all were they
So sadly sought
Yea some did steal thee
From thy momentary misery
And catch thee
In simplicity

For some spontaneity
Is borderline gaiety
In its former splendor
Long gone those days one
May scarce remember
When times were said
To be simpler

Yet still these days
Have their own glory
Of which we may yet praise

And so in thy near ended season
Hath joy come for its reason
Though not always clearly seen
Tis here to any and all
That seem keen to catch it
And let it in

Fair found friendship
Find we serendipitously
And so in it find we
Some splendid serenity

For not all things are in vain
That which we cannot gain
By our own merits
Are oft what need we
Most of all

And in hope
By them
The greatest gift
Could ever one imagine
To inherit

-Joshua Lee Foist

On these passing moments that remain

On these passing moments that remain
How shall one spend the time
May it not be in vain
As one watches the falling rain
Drift slowly down the window pane
Trickling down
Washing away the last moments of the day

Here in this place
One pauses to reflect
On what has been
Just before
And thinks on
That which could be
Yet still presently
Preoccupied
In the now
One cannot hide

So now to dwell within
That which is
And is (or may) yet be
But for the now
Of which one plainly sees
May it be profoundly
Purposeful

So as to remember it by
Whether tomorrow should come
Or pass one by
May these moments of certainty
Remain throughout all the days
That this life shall live

And so in them
Give the best
And the most
That as one is so blessed
May those round too
Be a part in that
Which is most
Joyously spent

-Joshua Lee Foist

How oft have thee

How oft have thee
Idols of idleness and ideals alluded me
Thine illusion may it pass
For as though in clarity see we beyond the glass
So then shatter that which remains
A mirror reflection of it

Perfection profits none
That cannot attain to its standard
For only one has achieved it
And surpassed it

So in thy striving seek for that
Which cannot be tarnished
Strip away thy facade
Make thee not thy vices
Thy one and only god

Live then in truth
That thy nature bear its proof
Humility oft gives one a greater ability
For it leads one to patience
And love beyond its own imagining

To love for loves sake
Giving all without any reservation
Only because that is what love demands
For therein lies thy reward
Where rust will not diminish or wither away

Yet in thy striving to serve
So may it be
Eagerly and always
With the love of that one
Who has surpassed all things
Who has borne the blame
And now restores and renews

So seek that which shall not
Surely fade away
For in that mercy lies
And hope rises within
And gives joy to all men
Who so patiently wait
All that which is best
And brightest, and most fair

For love is there
On the wings of the wind
And it brings no harm
For it comes to do good
And fill the hearts of those in need
That all may come and feed
On its fountain
And so by it be satisfied

-Joshua Lee Foist

Let not thy idle tongue lead thee to thine duplicity

Let not thy idle tongue lead thee to thine duplicity
But let thy words spring of truth
Oft let thy words be absent
That thy thoughts may gather awhile

Let thy heart and thine ears
Open to caverns not sought in years
For pearls a precious
Oft lie upon the passage by
Waiting to be received

Shut out none with thy impatient line
Yet rather let perseverance breathe patience within
And rule thee that thou might clearer see
All seems yet a mystery
Unraveled the riddle
When words a little
Time are given
To churn within
And by them
Learn again

Thine ways are not always true
Nay oft far from where
Fair virtue lies
Listen awhile
And put away thy petty disguise
Yea look on with eager eyes
That not in them criticize
But yearn to know
What all canst thee find
In friendship
Time may tell

So breaks the spell
Of simple selfish gain
There's much left to attain
Seek after the needs of others
That thee may call them brothers
And care for them as were your own
For indeed shall thee find
Thy one true home

-Joshua Lee Foist

So shall I depart to this season of solitude

So shall I depart to this season of solitude
Where thou my heart shall feed
Where ere the journey might lead
There shall I remain
Till all there
Must I gain

Thine service enough
Shall fill the void in me
None so true can satisfy
No one else in whom I can rely
Thy comfort enough
Shall get me by

Open my eyes to the awaking sunrise
And to my heart thine exquisite art
For where canst one find a love so pure
Where canst one find all
And hope to endure

Nothing is sure
But thine provision
Strip away this selfish display
That seeks its own
To fill it

For whether this life
Bring trouble and strife
All tis right
And pleasing in thy sight
When humility find
In human kind
To lay aside
All earthly pride
And follow thee
Faithfully

-Joshua Lee Foist

When shall the light return

When shall the light return
When shall in time the truth we learn
While all within us doth burn
Shall we but ne'er turn

Broken inside
This shattered soul
Hath nowhere to hide

Cannot this pain
Prolonged
Bring anything
But suffering

Clutching at the cracks
Peaking out of this shell
Bound within torment
Torment of hell

Twill not this blazed heat
Scarce but lift from my feet
While all around tis burning
Yet yearning something near and far

Longing to be near to anything at all
Anything whether great or small
Choking on these shards of sand
Cutting in
Seeping within the solace
That perchance had never been

The mind plays against itself
None is without its tortured game
Selfish endeavored
Arrogance leads

All its ways are to its own
Earthly praise

Shall hope
Ever hopelessly
Evade our way
Or ist still
Some shade (at least)
To cool the drought
Of despair

If only
In loneliness
Find our way
Lead back
To a quieter day

Where morning sunrise
Did twinkle our eyes
Back when the days
Seemed easier
To gaze

Out into longing
Fulfilling our dream
Though not quite knowing
What it might bring

Grace hath severed
All earthly desires endeavored
And paid in full
All that had bound us
Breaking the bonds
Bearing the pain

All for us
That we should gain
Hope of tomorrow
And tomorrows ahead

Restoring the joy
By which once
Were we fed

So onward
Onward we tread
Into the sunlit
Pathway ahead

-Joshua Lee Foist

Farewell, fair glimmer

Farewell, fair glimmer
From this final hour
Ere we remember

Hath come a time
And stolen our hearts
But none shall shine as thee

Thy mirror of time
So reflected hence
None shall change
By these events

Thy stolen kiss
But hours of momentary bliss
And heart pain and shattered
Throughout ever after

Time and its toils
Bounties and boils
All are borne
In their moments
Through solace and scorn

When shall the night to mourn
Or the day to gray
None can know the hands
That easily slip through the sand
Heart in heart and hand in hand

None so planned
As thy plunder and game
Shall but bear mention
Of thy momentary fame

Each test is a trial
That triumph in time
Through tribulation
Or termination
Shall take

Only to pass
As also to wake
For in time
Shall see
Thy glorious end
And fond fair remember
Those who were lost
And also friend

-Joshua Lee Foist

Now to death my former deeds

Now to death my former deeds
For that of which my spirit heeds
All futile failings forgive
For thine divined grace I live

Die within me that which is sin
Die within all the things of fallen men
Live the life that longs for truth
Live the life which pure is proof

For that which quickly clings
And clutches at heart
Is but starting to fade away
None can surpass thy provision
None can fill the wounds yet hidden

So breathe thy life within
Once more
Breathe and bare
This bitter soul

For all ist in thine will (control)
For thine alone hath paid the toll
So rush within thy mercy full
Rush within thy raging winds

Thy spirit cleanse all that need amend
For fire must burn now deep within
And bury all that once seemed conquered in sin

Open the eyes of truth again
That former haze be washed away
For hope hath come
To rule the day

Night be gone
Now enter the dawn
For that which once in shadow stay
Now to light in glorious day

-Joshua Lee Foist

Cast not thy dreams aside

Cast not thy dreams aside
Nor let them taste defeat
Ere they run wild

For fields of dreams
Lie fresh before thee
They are ripe
With longing to adore thee

Yet let wisdom guide
As tis good to confide
Let it lead thee
To thy truth to find

Celestial waters
Shall carry thee
And fill thy fallen heart

Flutter away
Thy follies
That may
Yet follow thee
On thy way

Let not the dawn
Nor the dark
Dictate the day

How long thee
Shall yet stay
Who can say

Whether a week
A month
Or the rest
Of thy day

When morn shall break
Shall it break thee
From thy spell

From the clutches of hell
Which in thee awhile
Once didst dwell

Shall we be
Once more
Face to face

Grace within grace
Thy gentle
Fair flower
Canst none replace

May its peddles
Portray
Thy bountiful bouquet

Once didst thou
Steal me away
In thy lonesome gaze

Where wide eyed
Thee loved to hide
Lost in thy imagining

I longed
To linger there
If to reside
Within thy portrait
Of despair

Could catch me
In thy calm
And hold me
Under palm

Wouldst follow
Thee anywhere
Should cast
Thy care

But unaware
Was I
To think

Shouldst stay
Remain the mind
Poisoned in pain

Shall ere I
Have known
A thing so rare

Shall love its virtue find
A friend as thee

Why must it claim
A soul
So close
A pair

Yet one
Fatal flaw
Should forge
Thy fear aflame

Cast down
Thy song
Away foolish longing

Thy belonging
Elsewhere
Where the valley deep
And the crossing wide

Yet narrow the way
The path
Shall find

Shall faithfulness find
A friend as thee
Should beauty
So rare
Compare as she

So leave I
Desire
At doors edge
To start

And dream within dream
In wundermeant
Depart

-Joshua Lee Foist

What in light we plainly see

What in light we plainly see
In shadow but a dimmed mystery
For what once revealed
Hath now begun to fade
What once in time did shine
Hath now sought its solitude in shade

No more the day shall see
For now the night
Hath come to be

And how long we cannot know
Twill the moon still shine
Shall it reveal in its glow
What little we yet do not know

Ah to be once more
When all was clear
So dimmed the darkness
Deep within

Doth poison the mind
That once freely
Did wander

Now only the night
Does it find
Its appetite

In sunlight
Starves til end of day
When it once more
Steals away

And makes its meal
On the melancholy
Of its dismal day

Shall it ere be
Shall this shadow
Cease in sorrow
Ere come tomorrow

Till night doth yield
Its deeds of yesterday
Then perchance
May it be a brighter day

-Joshua Lee Foist

Once we danced on the wings of the wind

Once we danced on the wings of the wind
Where it welcomed us as friends
And caught us in its currents
And carried us to places far and wide

Twas nothing from view from which it would hide
Always with us and by our side
So were the days of once we knew

Yet no longer do we
Drink in the dew of me and you
That distant delight has now departed
And severed the bond of which once we knew

Could ere come again
Such a time as this
When friendship
Was so new
As that first found kiss

Where innocence once was with us
Now seasons away
May it ere come to us again
Or have we matured beyond it
Are we better from it
Than before we knew

If all were fresh and new
As that season of innocence
Where once we walked in plain view
Always and often with you
Twas nothing hid there

And now our kisses betray
For indeed you have gone away
Ne'er shall we meet again as friend
Has this truth hung us
Has it dissolved the joy
Or resolved the fear we found
Once opened we our eyes alone

Thought we so wise
To depart thy glorious art
Were we too smart
In our divided heart
Could we not trust
That your ways were best
And your love complete
Was it not enough

Oh that we might still
Return to that which once we knew
Oh that the times less troublesome too
The price of peace is great
And far beyond our reaches to attain

Not without the shedding of blood
Upon thine untarnished soul
Couldst ere bring us to return
To hope as once when we were young

Canst love thine own betrayed
Canst the whore
Once more a maid

Not by human hand
Could it ere be planned
But of devined destiny
Could it be conceived

Yea still some hope to spare
But at the greatest cost and care
To Him to bear our sin

Such love so grand
Tis grace in hand
And perfectly planned
Despite our humbled state
And purged our pride

Can bring us return
To His side
Tis our greatest joy
None else to compare

When at last
To return to our once lost love
Forgiven and found
The betrayer turned brother
And friend
Whose love surpasses all imagining
And ne'er ceases
To give the most profoundest peace
To all who take Him in
Accepting Him who bore our sin

-Joshua Lee Foist

Thy gentle eyes

Thy gentle eyes
And thy softening smile 
Cease the fires that burn within me awhile

With one mere glance
Thee dash the doubt
And reveal the truth 
That within
Did once dance in
The souls of men

A mind that's numb
With the sum and sin
Of the humanity of men
Is refreshed by thy rubious winds of cheer

Though let not jealousy in me arise 
That breathe fire in these eyes
And spurn the path of any man
That should come between me
And thy subtle sincerity

Nay let me yet wash
In thy soothing sympathy
And drive away disparity 
With thy sweetest charity

For such love so rare
Is found there alone
In the hearts of those
Whose gentle tongue
Could break any bone

-Joshua Lee Foist

Dig thee deeper beyond the shell of thy surface perceptions

Dig thee deeper beyond the shell of thy surface perceptions
That may indeed thee find some treasure far beyond measure
Soak in the substance of thy surrounding
For here lie many things yet discovered

Cast aside thy pride
And shallow view
Look without and within anew

For far greater things lie
But just within thy view
Untainted treasures
Remain within reach

If thee could but learn
To look round
And take it all in

Something is brewing
In the minds of thy
Fellow men

-Joshua Lee Foist

Oh in time that trying might turn to trusting

Oh in time that trying might turn to trusting
Such a will is rusting within
For its illusion tis muddled in sin

None but grace
Can bring one to the place
Where all wills are broken
And anew is born
Something quite beyond
Mere imagination

The divine descends
Enters in and devours
The destruction
Once wrought by sin

And opens the heart
To its glorious art
That at last
Would turn to Him

So may this
Oft tortured heart
Be broken in part
And restored
To richer and fuller
Life

May these idols be broken
And cast aside
Remove the pride
Which so oft
In me hide

Humble instead
For truth through trial
Transforms the thoughts
And turns to trusting
No matter the cost

For though the price is great
The former fate
Far worse than one can extrapolate

And so all striving shall cease
When one shall release
Their will to thine alone
So shall they find
Their one true home

-Joshua Lee Foist

Tis an amazed thing

Tis an amazed thing 
How men make asses
Of themselves 
Over mere attraction

The reaction
Is a faction
That flourishes
In folly

Yea but oh
Thee doubleminded
How kindness
Doth quickly change

When attractions
Are lost
But count thee the cost
Thy price is great

Mere man would 
Succumb to hate
Or rather debate
Than show kindness to all
Whether great or small

And so surprised
Are they
Who but
Play in the sand

For soon
The tide
Doth wash away
All that may man hide

And carry to sea
Thy secrets
But not easily
Lost are they

Twill return
Time and again
As the tide
So turns
In the hearts
Of men

-Joshua Lee Foist

Joy of the divine

Joy of the divine
Comest near and be mine
Fill within heart
Thine illuminating art

Shine between shadow
That which stretches
One's gaze
Through the seemly unending haze

So then bring brighter days
To fill in these darkened dreams
Long hath my heart
Sought for some part

Art of humanity
Mindless insanity
Speak through my frailty
And guide me to thy truth

Prove within question
All that deception
Hath doddled away
And reveal (I pray)
Thy brightest array
That may shine through decay
And draw me away

Ah come now sheer bliss
And givest thine divined kiss
Renew and restore
What hath been once before

Do not ignore
Despite this plight
I abhor
Bring then forevermore
Thy truth
Come knocking a'door

So earnestly eagerly
Desiring me
Despite all depravity
Dust away the clay
In the cavity

And parish in me
All that would flee
From thee

Grow in me
Thy gift of eternity
Living in love
And humility

Bearing thy burden
Beyond earthly ability
All for the one
Who breathes life
Into everyone

-Joshua Lee Foist

Come now awakening rays of day

Come now awakening rays of day
Come and wash me in thy luminous light
Cast away the shadows of night
And fill me with thy warmth

Laten eve and early morn
Draw me to thy sun
Shine on me
And in me light
What fires near
Have fled at night

Increase thy strength
Within my heart
Make us as one
Ne'er apart

For though what shadows
And clouds might
Steal me away
From thy surround ray
May I not be caught up with them

Let thy warmth entangle me
From skin and soul
Take full control
Of these failing faculties of mind

Little good do I find
When midnight approach
And the moon is high
Oft enraptured I
In some darkened deed
Where I am drawn away
From thy sunlit way

Return to me
Thy fires which burn
Teach me that I might learn
Yes yearn within me
Thy desires
For thy light
Doth lead me
To all ways right

So may I be found
Pleasing in thy sight
Sundressed in thy holy light

-Joshua Lee Foist

So to return to such dimmed delusion

So to return to such dimmed delusion
Wander within the grand illusion
Yea still to at times despair
Or what seemed yet nearly there

Tis gone, once more
To think as to be so wild eyed
Too zealous to allow
What ere may come

And in time to see how numb
And cold so easily the heart is changed
Thine idols reveal
What desires most: the thrill

To seek thy own will
For a time
Seems but sublime
Though tis foolish
And folly

Twill not satisfy
All round lie
Counterfeited copies
Counting on the smallest
Deception to divide
Spirit from mind

If only to pierce
Such a space between
What then
Could one make
Of the heart
Of men

All are but fragile
And futile
To think
One to abstain
From their
Natural desires

Only something
Far beyond
The strength of man
Could ere o'er take
For loves own sake

Tis not of this race
Twould seem as ere disgrace
To be brought so low
And take the blow
For thine own
Fallen brother

None but one so just
None but one so rare
Would take the risk
For all

To forgive
To love
And bare the blame
To restore
That which was broken

In hopes
That some may return
In favor again

None could be found
In the hearts
Of men

None but that which is found
Beyond all heaven and earth
None but that one
Didst give them birth

Could carry
Such a burden
Bearing deep
For all the souls
Of men

Tis that which divides
Between the two
That can save
From all
Destruction

-Joshua Lee Foist

Here I stand and sit

Here I stand and sit
Within this great hall
Yet wait I
While time
Tis passing

So gaze I at others
Passing, pausing
Then each one
Finding his particular door

As if twas always this one
Or that (without question)
They enter

Yet still I
Remain
In this hall
Waiting
Wondering
In vain?

When shall the time be
When shall the light I see
Shall it come all at once
Or in simple small doses
Nudging me from my chair
Closer and closer
To that doorway
To that arch
Which stands waiting for me

But do I yet see
Which one is 'best' for me
While still I sit here and remain
How long shall it be

Such time a grand mystery
And oft a misery
To go on pondering
A mind so wandering

Musing
While the seconds and minutes
And hours I sit losing
Are not all they of your choosing

When shall I stand
When shall I depart
Must I remain
Within this hall
Throughout all
Of life

Though I think at last
I begin to see
Why each in time
Remains a little longer
Or shorter
Than the one before

Each requires
One's own particular time
Before they're ready
To stand
And enter
The destined door
For which their heart desires

Each purpose is different
Each path a different climb
But in time doth discover
Twas all the same

Was all such striving in vain
Who can know but Him
Who is to gain

Such glory is found
At last
When each enters
The door destined for him

Yet as he enters
And see those
Still remaining
Within the hall
May his prayers
Be for them
Whether friend or foe

For all need nudging
Towards that final end
Yea all need the encouragement
Of a friend

Who desires one's best
For he too once
Sat in silence
While others passed by
And in time found he
Forgiveness

And fortune
Found eternity
Lying but just
A mere distance ahead
Past this grand corridor
Of longing

-Joshua Lee Foist

(Inspired from "A Gentle Welcome," from the Preface of C. S. Lewis' 
Mere Christianity")

If this be love then let it ere be remembered

If this be love then let it ere be remembered
If this be love may it cease to fade away
Throughout the morning to the darkening of evening light
May it shine forth with all it's might

May it not be quick in motion
But slow and steady on
May it wrap all in its arms
And embrace in humility

May all desires be for those around
Seeking what's best for all
Bearing all things towards such a hope
That longs to share

No sign of selfish affliction
Twill be its inscription
Such a love that would burst
The most brightly beating of hearts

A love that shines through
All troubles and trials ahead
That takes joy in all things
Whether light or heavy to bear

So may this love (so rare)
Ever be
With great sincerity

If this ere be love
May it so be in every way
That shines through the shadows
That sorrow one through the day

And give one hope
That will carry them
Through all the journeys ahead

So shall its course be guide
With no inhibitions to hide
Yet steady and true
Shall it remain

Giving beyond
What scarce can be imagined
That its passion
May be seen
Through all with whom
It hath been

So shall this be love
Love ever lasting
Never passing
But enduring
Through all
Of life ahead
Into eternity

-Joshua Lee Foist

Why such hatred

Why such hatred
And anger is found
In the hearts of men

When shall all it cease
Must always war
Bring it to peace
No

Love must be
Love not only for oneself
But his brother too

If ever to find
Forgiveness divine
Must here be devised

Acknowledged lies
In truth piercing
The deepest disguise

Broken and bitter
May all strivings depart
That would lead thee
To sin

Restore
Within thine hatred
Tis found
And let His love
Fill thy fear
Repair

Shall He
When all are given Him
Shall love thy brother
Forgive all other men
Whom hath wronged

And love
Shall fill thy heart
And reconcile thee
To thy enemy
And friend

-Joshua Lee Foist

Farewell fair friend

Farewell fair friend
Of which I know
Yet not
So well

Farewell may life
Find thee
Joy
In all the roads that lie
Yet for thee ahead

Tread not thee
On any man
But softly
And still

Break thee
Thy will
To His

May thy pride
Which doth divide us
Cease in quickening
Release
All those
Held in thy grip

None unbruised soul remain
Still love I thee
Amidst thy pain

As brother to sister
Tis love so true
Hold this in I
A love for you

May so this love too
Be in you
For all thy fellow man

Whether in good or ill
May it remain with thee still

And so alas
Though our time
Now must pass

Shall memory
That remain
Not stain
What yet
Have we
To gain

May the lessons learned
Linger awhile
And carry thee on
The many mile
Ahead

And so tread
On and on
Until thy
Days grow few

Know that still
Shall love
I you

As brother to sister
Shall always be true
In folly forgiven
In full

Found only in Him
Who holds all things
In His control

-Joshua Lee Foist

Still tender heart still

Still tender heart still
Lie thee soft
Amidst thy troubled heart
Ache in thy trials
Awake for not all here
Need lead thee to despair

Open thy eyes to see
The wide expanse before thee
Gaze within this devined glory
For here lies a far grander imagined story

Fields flourishing in the fullness
Of this presence
That hath given all existence

None so faithful as this
Doth envelope all truth
Sweeter than the most splendid kiss

All warmth and imagining is found in this
Through trial and tribulation
Thy one destination tis here

Where the air is so sweet
Here shall fall thee
At His feet
In wonder

Where all thy troubles cease
In a most profounded peace
Find thee release
From all thy worries of mind
And remain forever
Separated from thy former pain
Ne'er longer twill it remain
With thee

For now tis none other
Than thy once forgotten
Brother

Hath borne all thy trial
In His body
That thee may share a life
Far greater than can words express

No more shall sorrow
And loneliness fill thee
None but His love
So rich and full
Faithful and complete

May all desires
And passions meet
Within this one
Who shall carry thee

While still awhile
Remain in this place
This grace shall
Thee embrace

When over and again
Find thee in the bondage
Of thy sin
Run in run in
To Him

Who hath borne
Thy sin
Within his skin
And reconciled
All the defiled
Of men

And called them
His own kin
All who would
Run to Him

Come and bury
All thy doubts
And fears
That hath plagued thee
Through the years

All shall be made new
When thy dept laid
Upon Him who can only
Bear all the price
Thy burden be paid

All restored
In Him
Thy brother, thy friend
Thy captain, thy king
The great ruler
Of everything

-Joshua Lee Foist

Ere now grand illusion

Ere now grand illusion
Hath thou brought me
Some solution

Doth reflection find
Always correction
To mind

Or ist by chance perspective
Blind

For when one gaze
Upon thy form
Then swear they
All is but forlorn

Yet gaze intent
And see beyond
Mirror shade
Hath shadowed
Thy view

So sink thee not
Within thy skin
Let not all image
Take thee in

For some is true
And some is sin
Yea be not kin
With all
That draw thee in

What is revealed
Is for thine reflection
That in time
May give perception

And there within
Shall thee see at last
Tis not all ill alas
Which lies between
Thine looking glass

-Joshua Lee Foist

What wondrous fresh the eye that sees

What wondrous fresh the eye that sees
Beyond the least of these
When tempted, trial, and tortured true
Give this oft wearied soul a grander view

All much clearer and more real
All has but greater depth and thrill
To take in breath and to breathe it
Complete and full

To watch the passing of time
To ponder to reflect
What a richly depraved despair
Lingers in this air

All round a mindless humming is found
None can say where it goes or where it comes
Who but ceases and stops for it
None shall wait or hesitate

For in this deception
Only one remains
Its desires only drive within
And lead it to all sorts of sin

How easily it gets under ones skin
So smooth, so sweet
Yet how it burns, it bites
It yearns for more

Til the whore is ravaged
And left for dead
Still self served
Steals away
To seek its next prey

Ah, where then is hope
Doth it remain
In the streets of this bleak existence
In the shadows

No, it is here
Amidst the despair
Amidst all the wild
And drawn out affair

It waits patiently
For any who would cry out
If your there
Come quickly
And free me
From this despair

Come now before all breath is gone
Release me (if thee can) from the bonds
How they bear me down

Oh if to be free
Shall it scarced ever be
If eternity
Hath any hope
Beyond this human hell

Than bring it me
And cast me from this cruel spell
For all surround are criminal bound
Stealing all that may be found
Before daylight reveal

Yea there is still light
That lingers down this narrow corridor
It still shines (faintly)
To all those who seek to find

So may they find
Peace to a troubled mind
Release from the worries that bind
Freedom from the bondage within

And so cry out in joy
At last at last
Hath found an end
At last hath found
Thy greatest friend

Hath restored this sorrowed soul
And brought it home
At last at last
These sorrows cease
For joy hath here found
In this Prince of Peace

-Joshua Lee Foist

When oft I wonder

When oft I wonder
How long must it be
And silence in answer me
Tis hard to live (at times)
In adversity

To long for nothing else
For no one else (my first love)
None other but thee

None before or beside
No one else in whom
Truly can I confide

For thoughts are not hidden
From thee
Thine love ere true
Beyond all that I can yet see

When passion desire
Doth run me up this wire
When all are out and around
Passing round
In wonder I

Here stand
And watch and wait
Longing and hoping
Striving to remain
Yet still the pain
Inside is fed

How long to wait
Before the day
Will it come
Shall I yet remain

Or perchance shall it be
That I shall not but here see
That in time twill you and me
None but thee

For though I know
Through ebb and flow
Tis none so fair
And loves as thee

Yet oft I wonder
In moments in passing
Shall I here
Within this breath
Share another
Whose shadow
But sheds a dimmed light
Upon that which
All is right

So fragile so frail
May love prevail
I know but one
Yet still
I toil

Grant me some grace
Till that time
When I shall dine
And see thee
Face within face
But a moment
Shall trace
No sorrows
All cease
Shall rest
In peace
Eternity
Awaiting
In glory
For me

-Joshua Lee Foist

That which was and is and are

That which was and is and are
Shall but be had been will be
Where ere the days and hours go
Whether fast or slow

Seize that which is
Whether in a moment it fade
Or last ere long
Till its finite note
Hath tolled

If we but grow young or old
In what fashion shall see
May it be simply surprisingly
Splendid indeed

For moments cannot be gathered again
But reflected and reminiscent at best
Tis all that life shall give

So look round
And pause to touch the ground
Look round to see
The granded mystery

Discover while thee may
What newness brings this day
While all are but stealing away
Embrace each moment and memory of day

Smile that cheer
All others are near
Fear not but love
Despite what hostile plight
Engage the wrong with right

So shall thee find all
That is pleasing in thy sight
Fighting for good
Forgiving that which is unkind

And surely twill find
A joy like none other
When thee live at peace
With thine brother

The days will be brighter
The nights far quieter
When thee love one another
Throughout all the strife
Thee endure in life

-Joshua Lee Foist

Ah, now to morning rise

Ah, now to morning rise
Look up I with expectant eyes
Fill me with warmth and love divine
So let the light of hope in me shine

As chirping calls the early hours
Encompass me in thy raining showers
May they radiate from all of this faint existence
And shine forth into the bleakest of beings

For in thy rays of light
Find I pure delight
The coldness oft drowning within
Hath melted away in thy warm refreshing wind

So draw me out
Into this glorious day
Live I life in truth
For every day

To shine amidst the sorrows come
And love surround all mindless hum
So shall the day appear for me
So walking eagerly

In the light that shines
On yet to come
Unknown yet wondrously soon the hour
When meet we thine divined grace
Shall wash us pure and true
From all disgrace

For in that hour soon shall see
We as we shall sooned be
For all other thoughts shall flee
At last at last are home with thee

-Joshua Lee Foist

So wrap me in thy wondrous arms

So wrap me in thy wondrous arms
Safe and peacefully from all harm
When in shadow steal me away
To thy glories rise upon waking rays of day

Catch me in thy tender wing
Shield me from the blazing stream
That bears me down till near I break
Open thy golden gates burst them forth
With thundrous quakes

For all doth settle as the sea and sand
Where ere thee direct them with thy hand
Shall not one speck replace
Without thy abounding grace

Till we shall see thy glory full
Twill be to see thee face to face
For then thy mysteries shall reveal
When we shall see them for what is real

Until the dawning of that day
Steadfast remain we
Expectantly
Until thee shall take us all away

For then what sin
Shall be shadows ceasing
When we decreasing
Thou increasing
Find thy peace and rest
For there shall we be
Forever blest

-Joshua Lee Foist

Come now ye trials that lie but just ahead

Come now ye trials that lie but just ahead
Come and soothe amidst where sadness hath fed
Thy torture is but as the tossing at sea
Thy glory but yet a mystery

Fear not I what thee can do
Fear not I what thee can take
Whether in heart, or hand, or earthquake
For thee are but sweet revelation
Of the work which lies within

When all within
Is but beaten and battered
By sin
This skin doth shrink and shrivel inside
Till there is nothing in which to confide
But you

For you have brought the trial
Tis you who brings triumph in tribulation
Where ere this dismal destination
You forever shall remain
Through sorrow and in pain

Thy joy within
Shall obtain in me
Some gladness
And soften what sadness
Would steal me away

How long the night before the dawn
How far the sea till it is gone
What universe or planet
Can plummet thy summit

Thy heavens are but glorious rays
That oft and always give thee praise
They shine amidst the darkest of places
And bring warmth to all by thy good graces

Though one should strive in vain
To run from thee
None shall surely obtain such "victory"
Though all paths by man be chosen
Their steps of thine composing

And none can know
Where they shall go
But life is in them
Would take thee in
To forgive their sin
And fill them

The soul in sorrow
Doth breathe brighter tomorrow
When it rests in thy love
When it flies on the wings of the dove

For all life's journeys
That lie ahead
All paths and pilgrimages untread
Begin and end at thy command

For tis you who breathed expanse into existence
Before existence had a name
Gave birth thee too thy starry hosts
For who other of them can boast

Time and space
Are within thy grace
And none shall live
Apart from thy mercy thee give

And so in all that doth here exist
May it be transfixed
In thy treasure
Of life
Of joy without measure
For thine and thine alone's
Great pleasure

-Joshua Lee Foist

Let not this dimmed light cease

Let not this dimmed light cease
May it strive within and without
To give this heart peace

When falling in failing
All conscious near spent
Renew and restore
Carry once more

Though all the weight be lifted
As to but blindly gaze
Eagerly with anticipation
And faint final hope lies
Beneath the blinking of eyes

Thy truth cannot lie
Thy hope shall not die
Thy peace is but pleasant
Ne'er passing

It comforts the most distraught of heart
And breathes a freshness and fullness
Of days yet to come

While mind is numb
And all striving seems dumb
Thy strength is sewn
In the inner parts
Of desiring hearts

Breathing new life
New love
Patience to endure
To persevere yet more

For eternity lies
But a hand breadth apart
And hope shines the path
To a more glorious art

Awakening to a time
Where all thy sorrows cease
And purpose is found
In all things round
To glory in
The creator of men

-Joshua Lee Foist

The world wears a mask

The world wears a mask
That pleases and presses
Promising Nothing
And taking everything
All for desire
Deluded and dead

It teases it toys
With minds
It joys in their jealousy
Tis selfish and sickening
Ever quenching the truth
Once trusted in

Released and ravished
I find at last
Tis all a lie
Before me

None holds true
None but you
And you
Would you
Remain still

The demon has left
And rotting remain
This glorious stain
Unrecognized in shame

How can anything good
Be found
What hope lies beneath
What purpose lies
Within such a disguise
Of sin

Yet you rush in
Without a thought
Or care
You love with a love
So rare
Unfair
Tis seen beyond
What one deserves
It loves for
The sake of love
Itself

Such love cannot
Be raped of worth
All beauty behold
It must remain
None can defame
It shall ever be

So rush to your arms
Unwavering still
All longing
All thrill
All joy
Is still

Within this love
None can endure
To remain
As before
All broken
All formed
In failing
Prevailing
This one
Is true
This one
And only
You

So to this first love
May none other compare
May none other take place
But thine and thine alone
In grace
Till in time
Shall see thy face

Till then in faith
Shall follow
Faithfully
For all the moments
That remain to be seen
Endure

-Joshua Lee Foist

All for you

All for you
May it ever be
When none other can
Truly see

What pain
What guilt
Where ere my heart
Hath spilt

So there you remain
In my loneliness
In my sorrow
Constant and comfort
Abound in you

In these moments
I "create"
You are there
Giving breath
Giving life
To each movement

When in failing
Or in wailing
When in joy
And gladness
Through them all
You remain
Steadfast

How ere this breath
May last
You always
Shall remain

None can see me
As you do
None fully
Understands
All that you do

When world escape
And heavens quake
You carry me
On the clouds above
You shield me
In your love

As I fall into your arms
May I rest
And rejoice
That you
Indeed you
Shall never fade
From view

Earnestly I pursue
In all things
Desire I you

And at every turn
Still my heart doth yearn
And always there
Before the thought or prayer

I stumble and surrender
All is lost and found
On this solid ground
Twill remain
For all eternity

-Joshua Lee Foist

And to the rain

And to the rain
That settles down
From up in sky
To down below

How it washes
And cleanses
Gone away
Is the stain
That once remained

May not a cloud
Linger over
This troubled heart

But make a start
Towards that which
Is but a short span ahead

So bathe in thy wet expanse
Glory in the joys of the dance
Let it soak deep within

Showering over thy skin
May it refresh thee
Amidst thy torment
Long kept within

Yea, thy washing
Brings renewal
And in it
Some hope

For what can stop thee
From falling from the sky
Dare one stop to ask why

It shall come
And thee must learn
To let it do its work

Fight it not
For if thee do
Twill be in vain

So then remove thy pain
When thou hath not the strength
To refrain

And let it wash
Wash away
Thy doubts and fears
And leave them
To yesteryears
Ne're to remain
With thee again

-Joshua Lee Foist

May what is seen in me be as a shadow

May what is seen in me be as a shadow
For what lies within
May they not see me in my sin
Though when they do
May they see thy mercy
Found in you

May love always be
Upon my lips
In my actions
In every waking breath
Whether in life
Or death

So in this day
May thy joy be seen
May what ere be perceived
Be believed
And let none be deceived

May truth shine
For all else is worthless
May all desire and longing
Be seen in this one purpose
To live truthfully
In a manner most humbly

So when one sees
There is no doubt
They see thy light within
For this canvas
Is but crude in appearance

So may it be
Transparent
May it bring hope
To the hopeless
Love to the unlovable
Forgiveness to the unforgivable

In all things
May it shine forth
That thy will
Be my will

And so till the end
Of these fleeting days
May every fiber of being
Give you praise

-Joshua Lee Foist

How ere this day begin or end

How ere this day begin or end
May it see thy blessed work in me
Though all around desire to be
Nothing of comfort or compassion
May this reaction in me
Be one of joy and satisfaction

When bitterness would knock
At this hollowed door
May I indeed ignore it
Though temptation should try
To be my ally
Even working in the midst of friends
May I break these bonds that tie me to them

All for thee
What ere the cost
Though its sting
May cost me everything
Trial is but temporary
Thine alone eternity

For sorrow cannot
Take from me
Doubt creep in
Ne'er sway me

Thine and thine alone
Shall carry me
In grief and gladness
Through the darkest madness

All shall prove thy worth in thee
None can find security
In anything other than thy surety

No earthly power control me
Death deny me
No fear I find thee

All tis worth the cost
When the cost so great
Doth take it all away

Then clear I see
The path before me
Steady on I shall go
None shall prevail
Ever with me
Through the storm
Through the dark
And through the morn

Thy strength shall hold me up
And I shall walk
I shall run
To thy kingdom come

My joy complete
When at last
I fall at thy feet

-Joshua Lee Foist

Yet as I journey out this day

Yet as I journey out this day
In the early dimmed day
May the silent morn
Grow in me a desire
That is born in you

Despite what troubles
Lie a short ways off
And though at times
They seem to overrun
This trough

None shall steal my joy
For tis you and in you
All things must submit
And all of pleasure
And wit
They are thine

So let the spirit shine
In this heart of mine
May he fill what is void
May I be overjoyed

In the wonder of it all
From early morn
To distant night
May all be pleasing
In thy sight

-Joshua Lee Foist

Now to thee oh blessed dawn of day

Now to thee oh blessed dawn of day
I pray thee might spawn in me
Some sense of creativity
Before this silent moon
Should fade away
I ask thee grant me
Some success today

As lines begin to form
In the early light of morn
And the painted canvas
Impressions make
May all these
Fallen strivings bring
A little peace amidst
The onset storm

For beauty in trial
Is most glorious
For it goes beyond
What ere it can
And strives in hope
Far greater than man

Yea rich and full
Is its sacrifice
Most striking
When all is given
In complete
Uncertain faith

For there indeed shall find
The worth of things
Beyond earth

And there in time shall see
Thy glorious sought mystery
Discovered for all eternity

-Joshua Lee Foist

Release oh inspiration

Release oh inspiration
On this thy destination
To give some sense of creation
In thy opening declaration

Fill this frustrated mind
With thy spontaneous wind
And catch within this longing
A welcome release of belonging

Revive the senses
With a breath of new day
That somehow might come
Fresh and new I pray

So with this in mind
Shall I begin this form
And rise within
The breaking of the early morn

-Joshua Lee Foist

Create in me a curiosity for the divine

Create in me a curiosity for the divine
That all hunger in me would be thine
That in all striving I seek
After that which brings honor
To your name

As I go out
May it be in joy
May it be with love
By which I employ
In sorrows I carry
In you may I bury
All that weighs me down
In these coming days

When creative winds should blow
May they surround and inspire
That their one true desire
Would give glory
To thine giver

Might it bring a shiver
Of delight
That would sprinkle
A droplet of hope
Of the days to come

For in these momentary trials
Truth passes near
And captures us awhile
It shows us a greater picture
More vast than ever we imagined

For what troubles are of today
Are soon tomorrow gone away
And we should hope (somehow)
They've brought us closer
To a heavenly view

Where a world once broken
Is made new
And the seasons remain
Warm and refreshing

Driving away the suppressing
Sense of wonder
That so long hath
Been kept under

To break free at last
And settle what's past
And spring forth
Into ceaseless tomorrows
Where sorrows melt away
Bring us to a brighter
And fuller day

For hope is on the horizon
And it grows closer
And fuller
And deeper than ever
It warms and renews
And reminds us

There are but greater days ahead
If we but press on
Through the trials we tread
And be fed
On that which shall never pass away
But will fill us more and more
Each and every day

-Joshua Lee Foist

How ere long must the night go on

How ere long must the night go on
And the sun cease to rise
Then open these eyes
Lost in a trance
Did dance in the morning light
Dawn of day

Ah, to awake from this nightenedmare
And stay the glorious day most fair
Sweet longing of life
Sheer shadow of night
Succumb to this slumber

Mere season adrift
Find thee a heart
To show some sign of hope

Long this noose hath held me here
How long shall strained breath remain
Tis easier to be done with it
Yet something inside denies me
No satisfaction in this quickened end

Yet, perchance in mild suffering
Find I a great strength not smothering
It grows stronger with each passing moment
As life seems nearer its end
This passive perseverance
Finds a yearning to endure

And so as I am caught
In this helpless state
May I deny all
Such wasted passions of weight

And rise within
The joy that saves
And will one day
Release these cords
And give me peace

Till then endure
How long this wait may be
And look on with joy
To what soon shall see
The greatest of all
Wonder tis found
In thee
Twill set this
Despaired heart free

-Joshua Lee Foist

Two minutes to land this happened pursuit

Two minutes to land this happened pursuit
In time to settle to ground in canopied chute
While all onlookers gather round
Float I here above the ground

Here I make my decent
In hopes I might leave a gentle
Footprint
How shall I remain
Shall I see the sun again

While I linger amid the wind
It catches me in its currents
And slowly I drift down
Down to the ground

-Joshua Lee Foist

Rest awhile oh wearied soul rest

Rest awhile oh wearied soul rest
For this risen one hath come to save
To all who see their need
To all whose hearts burn and bleed
To those who long for salvation indeed
Hath come, hath come in Him art thou freed

From sin and sorrow
Suffering tomorrow
All shall cease
When thou findest peace

In Him who knew not sin
Gave all to them
Who all did sin

Who all were drowning in the soup of sin
Desired, despaired, near death
Repaired, restored, in repentance, and reconciled
From all defiled

Now forgiven and free
Found faith in He

And risen, yea risen
And made whole
In Him
The Savior of thy soul

-Joshua Lee Foist

In these remaining moments that march on by

In these remaining moments that march on by
May we savor them you and I
For we know not how long we live
Before we die

Yet still these moments pass us by
These pleasures await
At every turn
Some new found wonder
To whisk us away

Seasons change from gray to green
And as we look on all seems serene
Yet pause awhile in this open space
Gaze in and full on this view

Though you must leave it behind
Remember oft there are many a moment
In which one finds
Treasures that lie beyond every bend

With eyes illuminated wide and full
To gaze at the glories beyond ones control
Indeed a beauty surpassing us all
Hath given life to each one so small

So wrap thy fears and sorrows and tears
In the warmth of the wondrous new day
Spring hath come and washes away
All the doubts that plagued of yesterday

-Joshua Lee Foist

Breath

Breath
This short span of existence
Found in these wisps of vapor
And soon they fade
Into an endless expanse of eternity

What lies beyond this
Passing preoccupation
Ephemeral association

All the ounces of existence
How ere the array
So simple they seem
As though an instant
Of a dream

Some warmth is felt
A dense expanse of air
Before descends down
Ne'er to reappear

So in this brief
Blossom of day
May not a heartbeat
Fade away

Without full expanse
And intention
Complete and utter
Attention

For what may be seen
Is only a glimmer
Before all grows dimmer

A life of hope
Or hopeless decay
And flutter, flutter
Away

-Joshua Lee Foist

Wish not for any other life

Wish not for any other life
But the life thee call thine own
And be no other person
But the person thee were meant to be

Fear not the days ahead
Or despise those thee hath already tread
For what can any worry accomplish
In the short second span of life

Learn the lessons laid out for you
Yet think not long on them
That they may cause thee too much strife
Strive for the best that in you can be

And trust beyond what stories lie ahead
Live and love
Listen and learn

May thee feed on the wisdom found in failing
Refreshen thy focus on thy goal ahead

And so then live
Live to love
Love thyself
And all others too

Give of thyself
Complete and true
Unselfishly serving
For love alone

Twill bind all that is broken
In kind
And bring restoration
To any it find

So shall thee walk
And lead such a life
That will be full
Of joy and harmony
For all thy days of life

-Joshua Lee Foist

Ah, restless heart

Ah, restless heart
Wallow not in the sand
Or settle for what lies but
A short distance from hand
But look out and beyond
To the sun that is rising

Rising rich and full
For there beyond
And farther still
Lies all thy longing
And the greatest thrill

For what lies ahead
Is yet to be known
But joy it brings
In each splendorous ray

It calls out
It beckons
It warms the heart
Of those in darkness

For its light shines through
All the darkest of nights
Tis sweet this longing
And surely satisfying

Twill make well the sickest of souls
Who will but linger in its light
And long for this one delight
Forever is a glorious journey beyond

Tis wondrous to behold
To feel but the warmth
Of things to come

-Joshua Lee Foist

So may I then love

So may I then love
When others would hate
May I forgive
When I have been wronged

When all reason and pride
Would be on my side
May I still strive
To live in humility

Loving as I have been loved
Forgiving as I have been forgiven
Striving each moment
To shine through the darkest
Of circumstances

When all would look to despair
May this joy reveal the hope
That there can be found

While the world is wildly wasting away
And all are desperate for anything
May I strive to be real
To give of myself

Repair the brokenness that is inside
To confess the failings that I hide
And strive all the more
To love and forgive
As the one I adore

-Joshua Lee Foist

March hath broke

March hath broke
In early morn awoke
The drops of rain
Descend down below

Come Spring in March
With thy monsooned rain
Wash away these former days
And cleanse the ground in praise

Rain down upon the earth
And with it new life in birth
Now sing of Spring
Blossoming in thy glorious green

Yea come sing of Spring
And wash away
Thy Wintered waste

Come now ye showers of rain
And wash, yes wash
Us in thy delicious drink

-Joshua Lee Foist

Now to the unexpected day ahead

Now to the unexpected day ahead
For all the moments that may be
What lies between now and then
We shall wait and see

The heart that beats slow
And begins to burn
Ah, what shall this day be like

The birds that chirp at morning break
Who welcome the dawn in song
And as each glimmer of light
Edges round the surface of the ground
A new morn doth come round

In stillness I wait
In solitude I contemplate
May my soul be content
Whatever however this day was meant

May joy always carry through
The dark, the deep, the despair
May it rise with the morning light
And shower over the day so bright

May all that is to be this day
Live and breathe
Of life

Hope beyond the heartache ahead
And persevere in patience instead
For all things whether good or ill
Have there place in thine devined will

-Joshua Lee Foist

Ah life, here with you I share all loneliness all strife

Ah life, here with you I share all loneliness all strife
Whether good, or whether ill you remain with me still
Here by my side none can shut you out

In moments of calm and moments of rage
You remain steadfast through each and every age
These moments endless time
How shall we spend them

For what was with us today
May not be tomorrow
And what trials of yesteryear
May they too often reappear

So how then to live
With trials and joys
In the same frame of time

Is all but sublime
Simply a trite frame of mind
How on earth shall we ever find
Contentment

Fulfillment in the not yet
In the possible
And yet to come

Ah these thoughts so plague in me
They soon turn numb

Yea, but here we too still remain
And so too we shall stay
For all the moments that shall pass us
Each day

Trials and treasures
Sorrows and pleasures
Moments of endless imagining
Yet still we must seek after something

Something that will give us hope
Purpose perchance to make it through each
And every moment of every day

For these are not but endless moments
Wasting away

No these are the moments of life
Each gift in kind
Whether joyous or sad

All are of the same composing
And they remain with us on the journey

So as we journey on
Moment by moment
May we measure each
For what it's worth

And strive to learn
The lessons we must learn
And share whether in trial or joy
A love a longing
For a life worth living

Full of truth
Full of passion
Full of endless
Imagining

For each day brings us closer
To the end
That is soon beginning
And to such a beginning
May we strive to find
All longing for

A world without end
Where truth
Is our greatest friend
And life
Ah life
Ne'er ceases to exist

-Joshua Lee Foist

We rest awhile

We rest awhile
Lost in the wonder of it all
Beauty most glorious
Grand and solemn

Breathless are we
Exhausted in
A mind of creativity

Such style and form
Gives grace and elegance
To all that is near

It doth inspire
All those who come
It brings warmth
And reflection

As for direction
Tis given its designer
Who shows great care
In each detail

And this the art
But ah the artist
Tis far more than
Can be imagined

In a realm beyond
Sits he looking on
All that his hands have made

And indeed
Tis glorious
And wondrous to behold
The creation
Of the Great Artist and King

-Joshua Lee Foist

Ah faithful februare

Ah faithful februare
Hath thee found at last
Thy refreshment in
This flurry which hath
Taken from thee all worry

So soft sweet and tender did fall
The snow upon us all
Twas brilliant to behold

Whether young or old
Didst much care
But to descend here
Or there

And such beauty found
In every thing
All covered in white
Ah such a sight indeed

Thine eye doth feed
On the gracious display
Somehow hath stolen us away
With its refreshing chill
Our hearts within us thrill
Within this wintered wonder

Pure and white it covers
Everything in sight
As if what might die or decay
Should shine once more
Upon its final day

So as all lights go out
So too may sprout
From beneath the ground
The coming spring

For with it all things new
To cherish and to do
Reborn anew
Tis glorious to be

To wash away the darkness
And despair
And dwell here
Where all is growing
And beginning to be

Such mystery
Such wonder to behold
So glorious it is

Once more
Life is beginning anew
And with it
A chance once more
To start fresh
And adore

What was forgot
Is again remembered
All is possible

And so here to begin
To breathe out
And breathe in
To let out
And let in
Again

Joshua Lee Foist

And when I look back on my life

And when I look back on my life
At the end of my days
I should not think I would say:
"If I'd only had this, or that
or married her, then truly
I would have been happy!"

Yet rather I think it would be:
"Had I only stopped to reflect a little more
Had I only but more time to adore
If only to have gazed off a bit more
Into the beauty wide and waiting

"If to have ceased from all the petty toil
Or less to carry the angst and worry
That oft plagued me to hurry
To rush about with no end or direction in sight
And no knowledge of whether day or night

"If only a little more to have seen the sun
Rise and fall - to have been there
To see it all

"To stop and see the buds that blossom
and see the seasons change
To help the poor man in his distress
Or share a day with a friend
With no care of when the time should end

"If only, if only, if only..."

But now, even now, while the days are still but young
May I but spend every one
With the hope of what is to come

That I may then say:
"Ah, twas time did fly fast
Yea at least it was well spent
I've little to regret of it
For the many things of which I was blessed
Those whom I loved or lost
Yet found the time to share

"We found some joy in our early-mid days
And in the eve did thy glory praise
Yea though these hours were precious few
They were but glimpses of a greater
Reality to pursue"

For there the time is always new
It does not toil or spoil
It simply is
And spent with great extent
And satisfaction

Each moment is a wondrous event
And the next is far better than
The one before it spent

To simply share it with
The lover of life
Our greatest friend
Tis here the story hath no end
But simply new
Richer and fuller days

Tis for these of which we eagerly pursue
From this vantage point
Our goal lies
Just a little ways beyond
The mountains there

Where the air is fresh and full
Of sweetness
Tis there where our home shall be
Tis there we shall spend it
You and me

And so this life
Though hourly wasting away
Tis eagerly spent
Towards preparing
For that glorious event

-Joshua Lee Foist

Fairest Februare

Fairest Februare
It hath been some time
Since last we were acquainted

For my part
It hath come to busy idleness
How the days I've toiled since last
Our time had past

And thy cold hath chilled
My cunning heart hath willed
Thee come and meet again

Romantic dissolution
Is oft thy conclusion
Of the brief and shortened stay

But I think few truly see
Thee for what thee are
Thy style is much to desire

For only February holds
The shortest days
And only February leaps its years

Come then shall we make a time of it
Come thee and me awhile shall we sit
I hope dear friend we may
Share a few sweet hours

For our romance it seems
Twas only happenchance
Though I care not to wallow
In thy uncharted meeting

For though we have
But a few spare threads
May we sew them through and fair
While they too are here

And perchance come another year
Once more may find us here
For that I shall hope
Fondest Februare

-Joshua Lee Foist

What disinterest dwells within me

What disinterest dwells within me
Desire drifts away a little more each day
And the weight slowly presses in
Little by little colors begin to fade

So gray this ominous view
It doth grip me with wonder
And strips me of the joy which once I knew

Sorrow shades the sadness that stains
Superficial smiles surface awhile
But slowly fade away
Out of the lonesome day

Turning, tossing, tearing within
Wandring, wallowing, wasting away
Seasons and shadows
Portraits of day

All are but wasting, wasting away
Early morn and laten eve
Each melancholy has its moment of bereave

But beneath this barrier
Lies a soul once merrier
Longing to be free
Hoping once more
To find something
To adore

Earnestly waiting
Waiting and wondering
If ever joy will return
Return to it once more

-Joshua Lee Foist

In these five short minutes

In these five short minutes
Who can say where ere these seconds may slip away
Whether the temperature may rise or fall
Or if it shall change at all

But surely something will come
Before this moment is done
While oft my thoughts steal me away
To the present anxiety of the day

I pray in some small way
I might pause and take in
The wondrous new day
As it begins

-Joshua Lee Foist

Blow winds of winter

Blow winds of winter
Where ere thee may
Blow to Spring
And too bring
Thee joy of life
Once More

Thy deadened branch
Hath caught thy chill
And lost all will to live

Yet life lives on in thy sap
Ere this season departs
Soon shall find the longing
Of thy heart

For then twill life anew
Thy branches pursue
With new awakened blossoms
Bursting forth into the morning light

So shall it be
Once more

All shall be fresh and new
When thee hath found thy taste
For dew and drink it sure and true
Thy roots will sweetly sing
Of the joy of Spring

Cometh soon
To warm thee
And bring new life
To a soul once lost
In despair
Now found repair
In heaven's gentle
Care

-Joshua Lee Foist

This life is wondrous full of possibility

This life is wondrous full of possibility
Of happen chance and improbability
Such inexplicable fate
Lies ahead for those who do not hesitate

To live, to live is life
Living free and full
Not withholding to anything
That comes in its way

But giving the most
To each and every day
Not letting the seconds
Slip away

But forever and everyday
Living for what may

Come now to the moment that is
And what ahead
Can be anything true

All in the mind
Of meaning and virtue
For those who live for their dreams
And dream to live
Most anything

The future lies ere before us
And it will not ignore us
So let us free and full
Run on ahead

With not a moment to waste
We make the greatest haste
Toward the infinite and unknown

For what lies ahead
Anything

And what before it
Ere wonderful
Than these words said

-Joshua Lee Foist