And might it come to this
Thy sweet taste of which
I shall miss
For all life's joys remiss
Yet still this heart's
Desire
May it ever remain
Content in thy love
For none other
Will do
For that which
Thy love hath shown
In weakness
In kindness
In all things
Thou art true
Thy words are sweet
They trickle down
To the deepest places
Warming the heart
And soul
Though oft my heart may doubt
Beyond all things thy ways
Shall remain steadfast
To hope and believe
In time these fleeting
Desires may be
One thing shall remain
Thy love, thy joy, thy peace
That gives release
To all worry
That oft may flurry
Deep within
Nothing can withstand
Thy unconditional love
And nothing more
Do I desire
Save to retire
In thy embrace
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
When the object of this mine affection
When the object of this mine affection
No more shall be a thing of superficiality
Upon the reawakening
Find me where I am
Too oft hath my eyes so strained
Too oft hath my ears so trained
To that thing deformed
And lost of meaning
The poison long hath remained
The wound oft unwrapped
Hath gained a putrid
Stench
Oh to have the thing clean off
And start again
To be washed
Of this clinging
Excrement
My life tis full of it
So oft control
Hath dug into me
A deeper hole
For pride no help
Would have of it
For too fargone
To handle it
Alone
Yet this
Tis not of thy
Own will
Thy work twas made
To conquer still
To put to death
At once
That life may
Return anew
Oh for such a chance
Tis mine to gain
If to relinquish long
The pain of it
When at last
The fit no more
Shall have its way
So come
Thy mercy
And restore me
So bring me
Into thy
Glory
Where ere
The story
Shall end
And a new
Journey
Begin
-Joshua Lee Foist
No more shall be a thing of superficiality
Upon the reawakening
Find me where I am
Too oft hath my eyes so strained
Too oft hath my ears so trained
To that thing deformed
And lost of meaning
The poison long hath remained
The wound oft unwrapped
Hath gained a putrid
Stench
Oh to have the thing clean off
And start again
To be washed
Of this clinging
Excrement
My life tis full of it
So oft control
Hath dug into me
A deeper hole
For pride no help
Would have of it
For too fargone
To handle it
Alone
Yet this
Tis not of thy
Own will
Thy work twas made
To conquer still
To put to death
At once
That life may
Return anew
Oh for such a chance
Tis mine to gain
If to relinquish long
The pain of it
When at last
The fit no more
Shall have its way
So come
Thy mercy
And restore me
So bring me
Into thy
Glory
Where ere
The story
Shall end
And a new
Journey
Begin
-Joshua Lee Foist
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Here in my hour of repose
Here in my hour of repose
My mind oft doth suppose
What hath been
And what might
Yet ah the sweet delight
Is a plight of imagination
A fantastic destination
Save no explaination
A mind of dreams
Might dream most anything
What for now must remain
To pause in this refrain
To drink in awhile
That which has past
And as for tomorrow
If should borrow
My anguish
My sorrow
Where shall it lead
If oft I to it heed
I cannot afford
Tis costly a resort
Yet where shall I break
The spell of this haze
These wandersome days
Have me all in a craze
The world seems open
To anything
Yet oft creeps in the doubt
For uncertainty
Roams about and cools
My yearning
My thoughts discerning
More than appears
Hoping that wisdom
Will guide through
The days
For lonely ahead
The path may they
Tread towards
The future
From sunset
To sunrise
When open
These eyes
Memories
Have all they
To reprise
Still hope
And pray
That this time
Twill be spent
In quiet
In watchful
Wonder
For wisdom
To guide
And oft
Thee abide
For once more
Through that
Open door
Let fear be
No more
From past
Present
And future
Shall surely
Remain
So long
As to trust
This hope
Shall not rust
Twill always
Be pure
Tis all
Shall endure
When once
We embark
-Joshua Lee Foist
My mind oft doth suppose
What hath been
And what might
Yet ah the sweet delight
Is a plight of imagination
A fantastic destination
Save no explaination
A mind of dreams
Might dream most anything
What for now must remain
To pause in this refrain
To drink in awhile
That which has past
And as for tomorrow
If should borrow
My anguish
My sorrow
Where shall it lead
If oft I to it heed
I cannot afford
Tis costly a resort
Yet where shall I break
The spell of this haze
These wandersome days
Have me all in a craze
The world seems open
To anything
Yet oft creeps in the doubt
For uncertainty
Roams about and cools
My yearning
My thoughts discerning
More than appears
Hoping that wisdom
Will guide through
The days
For lonely ahead
The path may they
Tread towards
The future
From sunset
To sunrise
When open
These eyes
Memories
Have all they
To reprise
Still hope
And pray
That this time
Twill be spent
In quiet
In watchful
Wonder
For wisdom
To guide
And oft
Thee abide
For once more
Through that
Open door
Let fear be
No more
From past
Present
And future
Shall surely
Remain
So long
As to trust
This hope
Shall not rust
Twill always
Be pure
Tis all
Shall endure
When once
We embark
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Somewhere beyond
Somewhere beyond
All imagination
Somewhere beyond
All destination
Somewhere where
Stars are shining down
Somewhere where
Love can ever be found
There is a place
There is a time
That is known
To those who
Find
Where wonders
Are seen
Where reality
Is no dream
In that place
There is an air
Of grace
That doth season
The winds that blow
Warm the coldest
Of hearts
It's nature is rare
But it grows wild
In those parts
It's meadows
Are marvelous full
Of joy beyond
All boundaries
For none are there
To be found
It needs no taming
For all things there
Retaining are filled
With its fiery zeal
It's earth hath great
Appeal to all who
Harvest therein
It seeks always
To be kind for
Fruitful it's labor
Receives
All who are willing
To it's ways be
Fulfilling may stay
In it's care
For there all desires
Are met for those
Who will submit
To the will
Of it's keeper
-Joshua Lee Foist
All imagination
Somewhere beyond
All destination
Somewhere where
Stars are shining down
Somewhere where
Love can ever be found
There is a place
There is a time
That is known
To those who
Find
Where wonders
Are seen
Where reality
Is no dream
In that place
There is an air
Of grace
That doth season
The winds that blow
Warm the coldest
Of hearts
It's nature is rare
But it grows wild
In those parts
It's meadows
Are marvelous full
Of joy beyond
All boundaries
For none are there
To be found
It needs no taming
For all things there
Retaining are filled
With its fiery zeal
It's earth hath great
Appeal to all who
Harvest therein
It seeks always
To be kind for
Fruitful it's labor
Receives
All who are willing
To it's ways be
Fulfilling may stay
In it's care
For there all desires
Are met for those
Who will submit
To the will
Of it's keeper
-Joshua Lee Foist
Of once seemed we
Of once seemed we
Beyond all conspiracy
Of once seemed we
To find our chemistry
Yet now our
Substance has changed
Where absence hath grown
So doubt its seeds hath sewn
And cracked the soil
Of such strife and toil
Hath torn the roots
Of our resolve
Where forgiveness
Can dissolve
The most petrified
Of hearts
Where once as rock
Can wash away
The stone and clay
Till once at last
All bitterness
Is past
Of hope that
Ere can last
The most despairing drought
It nurtures the ground
Beneath where life
Anew can be found
Where no more
Shall we be
As enemy
For faithful
The forgiveness
Of friends
Will surely
Make all
Amends
-Joshua Lee Foist
Beyond all conspiracy
Of once seemed we
To find our chemistry
Yet now our
Substance has changed
Where absence hath grown
So doubt its seeds hath sewn
And cracked the soil
Of such strife and toil
Hath torn the roots
Of our resolve
Where forgiveness
Can dissolve
The most petrified
Of hearts
Where once as rock
Can wash away
The stone and clay
Till once at last
All bitterness
Is past
Of hope that
Ere can last
The most despairing drought
It nurtures the ground
Beneath where life
Anew can be found
Where no more
Shall we be
As enemy
For faithful
The forgiveness
Of friends
Will surely
Make all
Amends
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, November 16, 2012
Of eyes that scarce can see
Of eyes that scarce can see
And ears that faint to hear
For minds that near have imagined
The glory that has fashioned the story
From beginning to end
For where beauty is bound
Therein a glimmer of truth
May be found
For hearts that lie open
To the possibility
That something more
Lies beyond
Through that open door
Where dreams no more
For at last awakened
They have come to life
Or perchance
At last blind eyes
Begin to see
The glory beyond
The mystery
For ears that fainted
To hear at last
The tingle hath
Found its tune
And bellows out
In full sound
The ground shall
Rumble
With the reverb of
Its wonder
To plunge deep
Within the realms
Of the soul
For at last
Hath it found
Its place
The wonder
And grace
When at last
To look full
And deep
Within the face
Of the great
Creator
Of this
Place
-Joshua Lee Foist
And ears that faint to hear
For minds that near have imagined
The glory that has fashioned the story
From beginning to end
For where beauty is bound
Therein a glimmer of truth
May be found
For hearts that lie open
To the possibility
That something more
Lies beyond
Through that open door
Where dreams no more
For at last awakened
They have come to life
Or perchance
At last blind eyes
Begin to see
The glory beyond
The mystery
For ears that fainted
To hear at last
The tingle hath
Found its tune
And bellows out
In full sound
The ground shall
Rumble
With the reverb of
Its wonder
To plunge deep
Within the realms
Of the soul
For at last
Hath it found
Its place
The wonder
And grace
When at last
To look full
And deep
Within the face
Of the great
Creator
Of this
Place
-Joshua Lee Foist
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Oh softly, softly, fall the leaves of autumn
Oh softly, softly, fall the leaves of autumn
The air that change and colors dance
Through the lights of rainbow dreams
Still blow away they go
Till ground in heaps
They spread
And fade
For dead
So pass
The days
Of autumn rays
Where all thy charms
Seemed an endless symphony
Of chills and thrills and afternoon
Tea to wash away the early morned
Misery that melancholy doth make
Oh earth when will they from death
Awake to rise within and grow thy
Shoots once more
When will thy
Leaves grow
Long ere
More
If
For
Lonely
Days to cheer
If wild and wonder
To draw us back again
Asunder from thy darker
Days to fill the world with
Praise to season and amaze
Oh for worlds of brighter days
Yet for all the days of autumn
Come and past till we see
At last shall wander we
In its deep reflection
To wade and wonder
In it soft soothing
Shadows to play
In its portrait
Array for
One more
Day
For
Still
Within
Thy gloom
Presume we
Tis still a light
Of hope we hang
Our cares and courses
Through the years to find
Our lives have changed
Our meadows have
Meandered cross
A distant valley
Washed away
Upon the
Bubbling
Brook
To
Toss
About
Again in
Another land
Where all of life
Began and once again
Are we reminded our lives
As fragile as a fleeting dandy
Dawdling away until at last one
Day it too shall fly away no more
To blaze amid the summer days
Yet still the thrill of youthful
Will shall teach us to adore
The trifling treasures
Once more for all
Of life was meant
To be enjoyed
And cherised
For its charm
Still ere we forget
A fool would we to
Think this is all we are
Or ere shall be for though
This life tis fleeting that which
Lies beyond is far greater than
Thy wildest imaginings a world
Within worlds where wonders and
Possibilities never cease where souls
At last may find their peace if they
Find the one and greatest thing
Of all their lives have longed
To taste and see the thing
For which they always
Knew yet never the
Words to utter in
When at last to
Be beckoned
In to that
Place of
Glory
Where
Words canst
Speak thy greatest
Story the author himself
Doth please to dwell among
Man for more than just a spell
For all eternity and ere beyond
Shall be within the realms of his
Great garden of grace where
At last shall we together
See Him face to face
For all of time and
Space no more
A dream but
True
-Joshua Lee Foist
The air that change and colors dance
Through the lights of rainbow dreams
Still blow away they go
Till ground in heaps
They spread
And fade
For dead
So pass
The days
Of autumn rays
Where all thy charms
Seemed an endless symphony
Of chills and thrills and afternoon
Tea to wash away the early morned
Misery that melancholy doth make
Oh earth when will they from death
Awake to rise within and grow thy
Shoots once more
When will thy
Leaves grow
Long ere
More
If
For
Lonely
Days to cheer
If wild and wonder
To draw us back again
Asunder from thy darker
Days to fill the world with
Praise to season and amaze
Oh for worlds of brighter days
Yet for all the days of autumn
Come and past till we see
At last shall wander we
In its deep reflection
To wade and wonder
In it soft soothing
Shadows to play
In its portrait
Array for
One more
Day
For
Still
Within
Thy gloom
Presume we
Tis still a light
Of hope we hang
Our cares and courses
Through the years to find
Our lives have changed
Our meadows have
Meandered cross
A distant valley
Washed away
Upon the
Bubbling
Brook
To
Toss
About
Again in
Another land
Where all of life
Began and once again
Are we reminded our lives
As fragile as a fleeting dandy
Dawdling away until at last one
Day it too shall fly away no more
To blaze amid the summer days
Yet still the thrill of youthful
Will shall teach us to adore
The trifling treasures
Once more for all
Of life was meant
To be enjoyed
And cherised
For its charm
Still ere we forget
A fool would we to
Think this is all we are
Or ere shall be for though
This life tis fleeting that which
Lies beyond is far greater than
Thy wildest imaginings a world
Within worlds where wonders and
Possibilities never cease where souls
At last may find their peace if they
Find the one and greatest thing
Of all their lives have longed
To taste and see the thing
For which they always
Knew yet never the
Words to utter in
When at last to
Be beckoned
In to that
Place of
Glory
Where
Words canst
Speak thy greatest
Story the author himself
Doth please to dwell among
Man for more than just a spell
For all eternity and ere beyond
Shall be within the realms of his
Great garden of grace where
At last shall we together
See Him face to face
For all of time and
Space no more
A dream but
True
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, November 2, 2012
If ere the time may come
If ere the time may come
Still true shall I remain
To that one thou knowst
By name
If in thy grace and will
That hope may still
Remain so with joy
Shall I that grace
Employ
Yet save to the last
My soul shall stay
Faithful and true
Thy words alone
Shall I claim my own
So to this day
Though oft my thoughts
May drift to that one
More than all such longings
Be for thy one and only
Who made the stars to shine
Upon this darkened heart
And gave His life
That I thy joy may yet
Impart
For if in union
Or in this life alone
Thy grace tis still
My hope and fill
For all in life remain
Nothing more have I
To gain but thy glory
And sweet salvation sustain
-Joshua Lee Foist
Still true shall I remain
To that one thou knowst
By name
If in thy grace and will
That hope may still
Remain so with joy
Shall I that grace
Employ
Yet save to the last
My soul shall stay
Faithful and true
Thy words alone
Shall I claim my own
So to this day
Though oft my thoughts
May drift to that one
More than all such longings
Be for thy one and only
Who made the stars to shine
Upon this darkened heart
And gave His life
That I thy joy may yet
Impart
For if in union
Or in this life alone
Thy grace tis still
My hope and fill
For all in life remain
Nothing more have I
To gain but thy glory
And sweet salvation sustain
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, October 19, 2012
Feed me not lies
Feed me not lies
When lovers eyes
Make fools of me
For scarce my mind
Made myths of musing
Did sing of thee awhile
But scorn in me defile
For tis all of wrought
The afterthought
Of what to think
Such shallow truths
Should lie in me
Awe for vanity
A veil concealed
In thy hand may yield
If twould tell the tale a truth
To but know thee as I do
And still thy heart to woo
For in time
This momentry crime
Doth wash away
And bright the day
That may yet come
When I with thee
And thee with me
As one may agree
If ere the day should be
Then come oh gentle night
And scare thy stars to flight
That dawn the day
Make yawn of night
And hold thee
In my sight
For I should
Call thee to me
And ne'er depart
-Joshua Lee Foist
When lovers eyes
Make fools of me
For scarce my mind
Made myths of musing
Did sing of thee awhile
But scorn in me defile
For tis all of wrought
The afterthought
Of what to think
Such shallow truths
Should lie in me
Awe for vanity
A veil concealed
In thy hand may yield
If twould tell the tale a truth
To but know thee as I do
And still thy heart to woo
For in time
This momentry crime
Doth wash away
And bright the day
That may yet come
When I with thee
And thee with me
As one may agree
If ere the day should be
Then come oh gentle night
And scare thy stars to flight
That dawn the day
Make yawn of night
And hold thee
In my sight
For I should
Call thee to me
And ne'er depart
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, October 12, 2012
Eden lies but everywhere around
Eden lies but everywhere around
Yet others are lost underground
Trapped in the seemingly profound
Yet mundane distractions
Of superficial attractions
Who may gaze upon
The face of glory
And not ache
To speak of
Its story
Birds lost in flight
Caught in the sheer
Delight of the dawning
Day
Whisked away
On wings
That wade
In the winds
Of thy wonder
Drink in the dew's delight
And dance in the daylight
Of all such radiance
Recite thy extravagance
For the hope of heaven
Lies open to eyes that see
Of ears that hear
And hearts that long
To be free
-Joshua Lee Foist
Yet others are lost underground
Trapped in the seemingly profound
Yet mundane distractions
Of superficial attractions
Who may gaze upon
The face of glory
And not ache
To speak of
Its story
Birds lost in flight
Caught in the sheer
Delight of the dawning
Day
Whisked away
On wings
That wade
In the winds
Of thy wonder
Drink in the dew's delight
And dance in the daylight
Of all such radiance
Recite thy extravagance
For the hope of heaven
Lies open to eyes that see
Of ears that hear
And hearts that long
To be free
-Joshua Lee Foist
When words can scarce
When words can scarce
To wordlessly speak
May these groanings
Of mine
Say what words
Cannot relay
My heart
My love
My troubles
My pains
Of all that
Surges
Through my
Veins
May it ever
Beat true
May it always
Live for
You
Between the dawn
And twilight
May my delight
Ever be
All for thy
Great glory
The endless
Story of life
And its
Purpose
-Joshua Lee Foist
To wordlessly speak
May these groanings
Of mine
Say what words
Cannot relay
My heart
My love
My troubles
My pains
Of all that
Surges
Through my
Veins
May it ever
Beat true
May it always
Live for
You
Between the dawn
And twilight
May my delight
Ever be
All for thy
Great glory
The endless
Story of life
And its
Purpose
-Joshua Lee Foist
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
When all life's rough and qualm
When all life's rough and qualm
Doth seem to embalm
This tattered soul
To its bitter end
May this one hope
Remain through all
The doubt and shame
Thy truth thy love
Tis better still
Than all the rest
To but hide all sorrows
And fears that plague
Throughout the years
Upon thy breast
Thy joy doth beat
Steadily within
No other strength
Can carry
When all reason
Has this mind
Forsaken
May this soul
In thy full
Control
Be taken
Whether in good or ill
May this troubled heart
Seek thee still
Through all storms
And seasons
For no other reason
Than this
Thy grace
Thy love
Canst none
Compare
All other things
Despair
Yet beyond
All yearning
A hope discerning
Seeks thee still
For thy love
Shall carry
Through all
Things
-Joshua Lee Foist
Doth seem to embalm
This tattered soul
To its bitter end
May this one hope
Remain through all
The doubt and shame
Thy truth thy love
Tis better still
Than all the rest
To but hide all sorrows
And fears that plague
Throughout the years
Upon thy breast
Thy joy doth beat
Steadily within
No other strength
Can carry
When all reason
Has this mind
Forsaken
May this soul
In thy full
Control
Be taken
Whether in good or ill
May this troubled heart
Seek thee still
Through all storms
And seasons
For no other reason
Than this
Thy grace
Thy love
Canst none
Compare
All other things
Despair
Yet beyond
All yearning
A hope discerning
Seeks thee still
For thy love
Shall carry
Through all
Things
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, October 5, 2012
Oh to that day when my faith
Oh to that day when my faith
Shall be sight
When all my wrong
Will be made right
For all such fleeting desires
That ere perspire
In me
May they yet
Seek that which shall
Ever be
Let not my desire be for
A feeling of gratification
But for the one
In whom my soul
Is satisfied
For his gift is complete
And shall never cease
So may my heart
In Him find
Peace
-Joshua Lee Foist
Shall be sight
When all my wrong
Will be made right
For all such fleeting desires
That ere perspire
In me
May they yet
Seek that which shall
Ever be
Let not my desire be for
A feeling of gratification
But for the one
In whom my soul
Is satisfied
For his gift is complete
And shall never cease
So may my heart
In Him find
Peace
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Before such a love could ever be
Before such a love could ever be
I must but first surrender thee
To the great divine
Who knows all things
In time shall be
As planned
For though my heart
In part cannot
Release
The only way
To peace
Is sweet
When at last
The end hath come
To know the truth
For what it is
Doth pierce through
Flesh and bone
Until at last
It calls you
Home
The truth doth breathe
A life of revelation
When thy grand destination
Doth come shall see
Beyond the fog
Of thy facade
For love transcends
And love begins and ends
In those who give it all away
That others may come first
When at last come love
To thee shall be with
All assurity
Hath come
In perfect
Time
- Joshua Lee Foist
I must but first surrender thee
To the great divine
Who knows all things
In time shall be
As planned
For though my heart
In part cannot
Release
The only way
To peace
Is sweet
When at last
The end hath come
To know the truth
For what it is
Doth pierce through
Flesh and bone
Until at last
It calls you
Home
The truth doth breathe
A life of revelation
When thy grand destination
Doth come shall see
Beyond the fog
Of thy facade
For love transcends
And love begins and ends
In those who give it all away
That others may come first
When at last come love
To thee shall be with
All assurity
Hath come
In perfect
Time
- Joshua Lee Foist
Sunday, September 16, 2012
If here lies not love
If here lies not love
Then fly from me
Oh gentle dove
For my heart
Tis fleeting
If here lies yet hope
May it rise within
And chase away
My doubt
For all my stormy days
May ever I
Give thee praise
My thoughts
Oft caught
In a mindless
Haze
When shall I see
At last beyond
The fog
The storm that's churning
In my heart concerning
My pride my will
The anger burns
In me still
Depart from me
For all eternity
Thy shroud of
Deceit
Hath near in me
Defeated
Save for one
Beyond thy
Skill
Hath stripped thee
Of thy disguise
And revealed
Thee before
Mine eyes
Oh let mercy
Fall afresh on me
May grace
Restore me
To that place
For evil
Hath long
In me
Remained
And nothing
Have I gain
But bitterness
And pain
Bring me
To my knees
And fill
My lips
With praise
Though for
These short
Remaining days
My evil ways
May a time
Return
Yet may
I forgiveness
Find
When at last
Repent my
Soul
To thee
Have full
Control
Of me
-Joshua Lee Foist
Then fly from me
Oh gentle dove
For my heart
Tis fleeting
If here lies yet hope
May it rise within
And chase away
My doubt
For all my stormy days
May ever I
Give thee praise
My thoughts
Oft caught
In a mindless
Haze
When shall I see
At last beyond
The fog
The storm that's churning
In my heart concerning
My pride my will
The anger burns
In me still
Depart from me
For all eternity
Thy shroud of
Deceit
Hath near in me
Defeated
Save for one
Beyond thy
Skill
Hath stripped thee
Of thy disguise
And revealed
Thee before
Mine eyes
Oh let mercy
Fall afresh on me
May grace
Restore me
To that place
For evil
Hath long
In me
Remained
And nothing
Have I gain
But bitterness
And pain
Bring me
To my knees
And fill
My lips
With praise
Though for
These short
Remaining days
My evil ways
May a time
Return
Yet may
I forgiveness
Find
When at last
Repent my
Soul
To thee
Have full
Control
Of me
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, September 15, 2012
When I am afraid
When I am afraid
And unsure
Open my eyes
To see
When misery
Is creeping in
Come hope
To rest
In thee
When doubts
Near dominate
My soul
So assurance
Come and
Rescue me
My mind's a mush
Of things
And still I know not
Where or when
To begin
Tis but a maze of confusion
So long I for a resolution
To awaken from this
Nightmare untamed
Where can I go
When ere my grip
Is near its last
Where can I hide
When conflicted pride
Has its way with me
How can humility
Fall afresh upon me
So long I to be free
The cords they tighten
Round me
Yet still this faith
Of which I've known
Clings to the bone
So come thou
Sweet salvation
Come and wreak
All desolation
And call thine
Own creation
Home
-Joshua Lee Foist
When conflicted
And unsure
Open my eyes
To see
When misery
Is creeping in
Come hope
To rest
In thee
When doubts
Near dominate
My soul
So assurance
Come and
Rescue me
My mind's a mush
Of things
And still I know not
Where or when
To begin
Tis but a maze of confusion
So long I for a resolution
To awaken from this
Nightmare untamed
Where can I go
When ere my grip
Is near its last
Where can I hide
When conflicted pride
Has its way with me
How can humility
Fall afresh upon me
So long I to be free
The cords they tighten
Round me
Yet still this faith
Of which I've known
Clings to the bone
So come thou
Sweet salvation
Come and wreak
All desolation
And call thine
Own creation
Home
-Joshua Lee Foist
When conflicted
Thursday, September 13, 2012
So rest my soul
So rest my soul
To all which lies
Beyond thy control
So rest my soul
In that which
Truly satisfies
When all the worries
Surround and cover thee
Rest in that assuring grace
Twill lead thee through
All the trials of life
Through joy and strife
Though thy troubles
At times may abound
That love profound
Shall stand its ground
Twill pick thee up
And carry thee on
Thy way
Despite the doubt
And pain a time
Thee may endure
Know this for sure
Such a love devine
Shall always remain
For this only is true
This alone will
Never fail
So lean upon
Thy rock and rest
In the one whom
All thy years
Hath blessed
To all which lies
Beyond thy control
So rest my soul
In that which
Truly satisfies
When all the worries
Surround and cover thee
Rest in that assuring grace
Twill lead thee through
All the trials of life
Through joy and strife
Though thy troubles
At times may abound
That love profound
Shall stand its ground
Twill pick thee up
And carry thee on
Thy way
Despite the doubt
And pain a time
Thee may endure
Know this for sure
Such a love devine
Shall always remain
For this only is true
This alone will
Never fail
So lean upon
Thy rock and rest
In the one whom
All thy years
Hath blessed
Sunday, September 9, 2012
As to that which is unseen
As to that which is unseen
Yet has transformed me
For there where I was once
In despair
Thy way hath revealed
Day by day
In the still and quiet
While lost am I
In a grand illusion
Safe and secure
Doth remain
As for contentment
Oft resentment
In me doth increase
For I am much impatient
Yet that which is good
A lifelong ambition
Must take the full
Course
For ere the days
Are evil
And innocence
Bewares such
Things
So seek thy
Sure and steady
Heart
My soul
Eternal
Hath Control
Lead me through
The dark of night
Into thy radient
Transforming
Light
-Joshua Lee Foist
Yet has transformed me
For there where I was once
In despair
Thy way hath revealed
Day by day
In the still and quiet
While lost am I
In a grand illusion
Safe and secure
Doth remain
As for contentment
Oft resentment
In me doth increase
For I am much impatient
Yet that which is good
A lifelong ambition
Must take the full
Course
For ere the days
Are evil
And innocence
Bewares such
Things
So seek thy
Sure and steady
Heart
My soul
Eternal
Hath Control
Lead me through
The dark of night
Into thy radient
Transforming
Light
-Joshua Lee Foist
Monday, August 27, 2012
Worlds of grace in ways unknown
Worlds of grace in ways unknown
Where time and space are yet
To be shown
The answers far
Not far away
From faith
Will know
In time
The heart
Let go
The pain
Release
And gain
Thy humbled
Disdain
Hath
Found
Again
When at last
The dread season's
Past
Thy soul
Shall shed
Anew
Oh into
Vast oceans
Blue
O'er horizons
And early
Morn'ed dew
Let it in
Yea let it
Wash
Thy cares
Away
And let
The sunlight
Rays
Warm thy
Heart
Though
Evil days
Surround
Its warmth
Shall ere
Abound
When at last
Forgiveness
Found
Thy sure
Salvation's
Eternal
Destination
Calm thy
Sweet
Reservation
Hath come
To thee
At last
-Joshua Lee Foist
Where time and space are yet
To be shown
The answers far
Not far away
From faith
Will know
In time
The heart
Let go
The pain
Release
And gain
Thy humbled
Disdain
Hath
Found
Again
When at last
The dread season's
Past
Thy soul
Shall shed
Anew
Oh into
Vast oceans
Blue
O'er horizons
And early
Morn'ed dew
Let it in
Yea let it
Wash
Thy cares
Away
And let
The sunlight
Rays
Warm thy
Heart
Though
Evil days
Surround
Its warmth
Shall ere
Abound
When at last
Forgiveness
Found
Thy sure
Salvation's
Eternal
Destination
Calm thy
Sweet
Reservation
Hath come
To thee
At last
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Leave me not to the rushing wind
Leave me not to the rushing wind
Of which I must give in
But catch me deep within
And ne'er let me go
My heart, my soul
Tis all within thy power
Though ever now the hour
Such longing for belonging
So for love must die
For all
Must give all
Must trust all
In rage, in wonder
In glory, in plunder
Tis all within thy hand
For all of fears and failings
For all the nights
And endless wailings
My heart, may it ere beat true
My trust, may it rest in you
For faith beyond
All fear
To thee for that which is near
And that which seems as fleating
The joys of eden
Cast to the sands of time
Deep into the oceans
To where can one find
Yet time within all time
Is ever thine
All desires and longings
Are in thy will
And where may guide
Who can abide
Though to trust
And hope
In thee to hide
All sorrows
And cares of
Tomorrows
Lie open before thee
Yet soft yet tender
Thy gentle care
Can warm the coldest
Heart and melt it
Of dispair
For fair is love
Of rare such love
Twould give it all
To save
-Joshua Lee Foist
Of which I must give in
But catch me deep within
And ne'er let me go
My heart, my soul
Tis all within thy power
Though ever now the hour
Such longing for belonging
So for love must die
For all
Must give all
Must trust all
In rage, in wonder
In glory, in plunder
Tis all within thy hand
For all of fears and failings
For all the nights
And endless wailings
My heart, may it ere beat true
My trust, may it rest in you
For faith beyond
All fear
To thee for that which is near
And that which seems as fleating
The joys of eden
Cast to the sands of time
Deep into the oceans
To where can one find
Yet time within all time
Is ever thine
All desires and longings
Are in thy will
And where may guide
Who can abide
Though to trust
And hope
In thee to hide
All sorrows
And cares of
Tomorrows
Lie open before thee
Yet soft yet tender
Thy gentle care
Can warm the coldest
Heart and melt it
Of dispair
For fair is love
Of rare such love
Twould give it all
To save
-Joshua Lee Foist
Monday, July 30, 2012
On days of rain and wind
On days of rain and wind
I find my heart tis low
When the winds blow
And the rain drizzles down
My melancholy oft steals round
What for cloudy days
Bring a restless heart
The doubts that divide
The truth inside
Oh cast me not from
This dismal scene
But work within
That hope may begin
To heal the hurt
That oft may hide
Amidst the storm
Inside
My minds a jelly mush of things
Thinking on what's been
And may yet never be
Yet past is past
And present
Is now
So wade not long
In thy wallowing song
Let the light of love
And longing seek
That which is sure
Through the fog
And fear that oft
May appear
Let it burn
Till its fire
Lights up
The night
For darkness
Cannot stand
Under it
Tis purged of all
Its punishment
For the light that shines
Brings joy divine
To all who will
Seek it
While yet
It spreads
It's canopy ore
The land
May find
The strength
To stand
And wait
For hope
Refreshes
And restores
Amidst
The coldest
And bitterest
Storms
-Joshua Lee Foist
I find my heart tis low
When the winds blow
And the rain drizzles down
My melancholy oft steals round
What for cloudy days
Bring a restless heart
The doubts that divide
The truth inside
Oh cast me not from
This dismal scene
But work within
That hope may begin
To heal the hurt
That oft may hide
Amidst the storm
Inside
My minds a jelly mush of things
Thinking on what's been
And may yet never be
Yet past is past
And present
Is now
So wade not long
In thy wallowing song
Let the light of love
And longing seek
That which is sure
Through the fog
And fear that oft
May appear
Let it burn
Till its fire
Lights up
The night
For darkness
Cannot stand
Under it
Tis purged of all
Its punishment
For the light that shines
Brings joy divine
To all who will
Seek it
While yet
It spreads
It's canopy ore
The land
May find
The strength
To stand
And wait
For hope
Refreshes
And restores
Amidst
The coldest
And bitterest
Storms
-Joshua Lee Foist
Monday, July 16, 2012
We walked in the rain
We walked in the rain
She in her way
I in mine
At first when
I saw her
Rushing cross
The way
I thought
At chance
She'd see me
Though her back
To me was turned
I mused mildly
Of her in the mist
And mud
Then a moment I saw her
Once more just ahead
The path she had taken
Had brought her back round
Yet still I behind
And little a chance
So stole onward
Up the spiraled staircase
That led to the next road
When scarcely up it
Whom should I meet
But the lady by and by
I saw twice a time
Before
Upon our third encounter
This time our paths
Could not ignore
For now as one were
They
Then I in diffident demeanor
Did ask if I may offer
My canopy o'er her
While we walked
Awhile ahead
She kindly inclined
And I joyfully accepted
She asked my name
And I hers
Then of where I
Stayed
As we made mild
Conversation
She told me
Her craft
A poet was she
Though a scholar
At present
We spoke
A bit more
Before
Our ways
Diverged
Though I shall ne'er
Soon forget
Upon that once
Drizzly day
A fair young
Lass did I thrice
Once pass
And offered
My canopy
From the wind
And rain
-Joshua Lee Foist
She in her way
I in mine
At first when
I saw her
Rushing cross
The way
I thought
At chance
She'd see me
Though her back
To me was turned
I mused mildly
Of her in the mist
And mud
Then a moment I saw her
Once more just ahead
The path she had taken
Had brought her back round
Yet still I behind
And little a chance
So stole onward
Up the spiraled staircase
That led to the next road
When scarcely up it
Whom should I meet
But the lady by and by
I saw twice a time
Before
Upon our third encounter
This time our paths
Could not ignore
For now as one were
They
Then I in diffident demeanor
Did ask if I may offer
My canopy o'er her
While we walked
Awhile ahead
She kindly inclined
And I joyfully accepted
She asked my name
And I hers
Then of where I
Stayed
As we made mild
Conversation
She told me
Her craft
A poet was she
Though a scholar
At present
We spoke
A bit more
Before
Our ways
Diverged
Though I shall ne'er
Soon forget
Upon that once
Drizzly day
A fair young
Lass did I thrice
Once pass
And offered
My canopy
From the wind
And rain
-Joshua Lee Foist
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Love's a bleary eyed wonder
Love's a bleary eyed wonder
That wastes its wares of me
Love's a hurricane
That washes over me
Left to the sand
Lonely left out to dry
The cool clear sky above
Where now art thou love
Love's a dove
Flouting overhead
Love's a raven
Ravaging the dead
Love's a chill
Veining down my skin
Love's a sun
Warming deep within
My soul searches
My heart aches
Oh love
Why tease
A thing like me
When last
My mind is
Gone of thee
Then return
To punish me
My time
Shall come again
Yet love I ask
Shall this time
Be true
This time
Sweet love
Will you remain
Through winter
And spring
Shall I know
Thee to the end
Shall ere
At last
I call thee
Friend
-Joshua Lee Foist
That wastes its wares of me
Love's a hurricane
That washes over me
Left to the sand
Lonely left out to dry
The cool clear sky above
Where now art thou love
Love's a dove
Flouting overhead
Love's a raven
Ravaging the dead
Love's a chill
Veining down my skin
Love's a sun
Warming deep within
My soul searches
My heart aches
Oh love
Why tease
A thing like me
When last
My mind is
Gone of thee
Then return
To punish me
My time
Shall come again
Yet love I ask
Shall this time
Be true
This time
Sweet love
Will you remain
Through winter
And spring
Shall I know
Thee to the end
Shall ere
At last
I call thee
Friend
-Joshua Lee Foist
When I gaze upon the bay
When I gaze upon the bay
From the heights of Brooklyn
As the dawn of day
Awakes the glorious
Wonders of Wellington
To rest in the quiet
Of this sunlit seat
And let thy joy
Surround my soul
Where oft have I longed
To reside at dawn
Or dusk
Or noonday tide
You restore
The youth in me
That oft is lost
In the toil and trial
My strength comes
From a source
Far from this course
Where seas and lands
Are but pawns
In the palms of
Thy hands
Yet to gaze
Upon the fog
The prologue
To paradise
Where one day
May come
Thy reign
Thy Son
Shall come
Shall come
To walk once
More
Amongst
The souls
Of Men
-Joshua Lee Foist
From the heights of Brooklyn
As the dawn of day
Awakes the glorious
Wonders of Wellington
To rest in the quiet
Of this sunlit seat
And let thy joy
Surround my soul
Where oft have I longed
To reside at dawn
Or dusk
Or noonday tide
You restore
The youth in me
That oft is lost
In the toil and trial
My strength comes
From a source
Far from this course
Where seas and lands
Are but pawns
In the palms of
Thy hands
Yet to gaze
Upon the fog
The prologue
To paradise
Where one day
May come
Thy reign
Thy Son
Shall come
Shall come
To walk once
More
Amongst
The souls
Of Men
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Of wonders yet known
Of wonders yet known
And pathways yet tread
Of valleys and mountains
Yet wandered in
Of voyages far
Upon the farthest shores
Of caverns deeper
And yet explored
Of heavens
Awaiting
Rising far
Above
Yet still beyond
Cannot full express
Thy love
Thy joy
Thy peace
Oh love of my heart
Oh savior and friend
None else but thee
Beside
My soul doth long
For thy eternal
Song
Awake oh dawn
And rise within
Carry me
Upwards
Above thy waking
Wonders
Of realms unknown
And glories
Yet shown
Yet still
Thy glory
Tis far beyond
To taste
To see
To wade
In your
Wonder
Thy good
Thy grace
Oh to rest
In thy presence
Thy joy
Complete
To but
Fall
At thy
Feet
-Joshua Lee Foist
And pathways yet tread
Of valleys and mountains
Yet wandered in
Of voyages far
Upon the farthest shores
Of caverns deeper
And yet explored
Of heavens
Awaiting
Rising far
Above
Yet still beyond
Cannot full express
Thy love
Thy joy
Thy peace
Oh love of my heart
Oh savior and friend
None else but thee
Beside
My soul doth long
For thy eternal
Song
Awake oh dawn
And rise within
Carry me
Upwards
Above thy waking
Wonders
Of realms unknown
And glories
Yet shown
Yet still
Thy glory
Tis far beyond
To taste
To see
To wade
In your
Wonder
Thy good
Thy grace
Oh to rest
In thy presence
Thy joy
Complete
To but
Fall
At thy
Feet
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, June 15, 2012
Take me in
Take me in
To the beauty that lies
Within the deepest substance
Of thy skin
Shed the scars
Of this cruel facade
Worn for men
To plunder
And confuse
Thy fairest grace
Lies beyond
Thy wandering eyes
Let out the doubt
That troubles thee within
And let in the love
That will not fail
Lift the veil
Of thy well
Watered eyes
And let in
The light
Let it catch thee
By surprise
For not all the world
Desires thee for thy form
Or talents alone
Some see thee
For who thou art
And for what
Thee may become
Though scars remain
May yet be healed
When at last
To love complete
Shalt thou yield
-Joshua Lee Foist
To the beauty that lies
Within the deepest substance
Of thy skin
Shed the scars
Of this cruel facade
Worn for men
To plunder
And confuse
Thy fairest grace
Lies beyond
Thy wandering eyes
Let out the doubt
That troubles thee within
And let in the love
That will not fail
Lift the veil
Of thy well
Watered eyes
And let in
The light
Let it catch thee
By surprise
For not all the world
Desires thee for thy form
Or talents alone
Some see thee
For who thou art
And for what
Thee may become
Though scars remain
May yet be healed
When at last
To love complete
Shalt thou yield
-Joshua Lee Foist
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Here in my chaos
Here in my chaos
Here in thy calm
My hand make fists
Demands
Thy grace still stands
Betray my heart
In scorn and shame
Thy blame doth take
Salvation might I find
Where ere the storms
May rupture within
Thy way is firm
Thy path unshaken
The earth may crumble
And fall
Thy hands
Thy heavens
Remain
My shame my sin
Thy sorrow
Thy glory revealed
Thy wounds
Am healed
Where ere my way
My sin may take
Hath taken all
Upon thyself
That still may find
Salvation
Thy sweet
Thy calm
Eternal
Destination
With thee
Divine
-Joshua Lee Foist
Monday, June 4, 2012
In the still and quiet
In the still and quiet
While all others asleep
My soul finds rest
In the deep
Wonder of your presence
Surrounds my every fear
For where ere my mind
May wander
You are always there
In fog and firelight
In dawn or darkest
Night
Wash my worries
Away before
The storms
That toss
This day
Ground my feet
In your unwavering
Wisdom
Not long can I
Withstand
To remain
Faithful
In your
Footsteps
Yet faithfully
You guide
And carry
In all my weakness
Exposed am I
Every part
You know by heart
And still your love
Unending
Through all things
Shall endure
Through life
And death
And evermore
-Joshua Lee Foist
While all others asleep
My soul finds rest
In the deep
Wonder of your presence
Surrounds my every fear
For where ere my mind
May wander
You are always there
In fog and firelight
In dawn or darkest
Night
Wash my worries
Away before
The storms
That toss
This day
Ground my feet
In your unwavering
Wisdom
Not long can I
Withstand
To remain
Faithful
In your
Footsteps
Yet faithfully
You guide
And carry
In all my weakness
Exposed am I
Every part
You know by heart
And still your love
Unending
Through all things
Shall endure
Through life
And death
And evermore
-Joshua Lee Foist
Sunday, June 3, 2012
In moments of quiet
In moments of quiet
I find it oft hard to
Be still and let in
The silence
Yet when with
One breath
To take it in
I find more
And more
To begin
To feel
To thrill
In the wonder
Of this
A peace begins
To fill my soul
A presence
Outside my
Control
Begins to fill
The void
So long
Invested
In its own
Congested
By the muck
Of its own
Making
Confusion
Filled dillusion
Yet when stillness
Comes
The silence
Numbs the drums
The beating noise
That too oft my
Mind employs
To rest in this
For all of life
Twas formed
In this
Oh to remain
Oh to regain
That which
Man had lost
For great the cost
To him who
Bears the lost
Yet when found
Such beauty
And wonder
Abound
Hope is found
In this one
Doth ground
All things
Sure
To breathe in
And out
Thy perfect
Grace
Doth fill the void
So long displaced
Now full and flourishing
In faith hath found
All comfort
All healing
In him
Who was
And is
And ever
Hath been
-Joshua Lee Foist
I find it oft hard to
Be still and let in
The silence
Yet when with
One breath
To take it in
I find more
And more
To begin
To feel
To thrill
In the wonder
Of this
A peace begins
To fill my soul
A presence
Outside my
Control
Begins to fill
The void
So long
Invested
In its own
Congested
By the muck
Of its own
Making
Confusion
Filled dillusion
Yet when stillness
Comes
The silence
Numbs the drums
The beating noise
That too oft my
Mind employs
To rest in this
For all of life
Twas formed
In this
Oh to remain
Oh to regain
That which
Man had lost
For great the cost
To him who
Bears the lost
Yet when found
Such beauty
And wonder
Abound
Hope is found
In this one
Doth ground
All things
Sure
To breathe in
And out
Thy perfect
Grace
Doth fill the void
So long displaced
Now full and flourishing
In faith hath found
All comfort
All healing
In him
Who was
And is
And ever
Hath been
-Joshua Lee Foist
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Where in this day shall I go
Where in this day shall I go
To meet and pray
To kneel before thy throne
While brothers gather round
In isolation a shroud
May not these thoughts in me
Be proud
Yet save thy love in me
Instead abound
Though the betrayers
Blade at my back
Be stayed
Still not shall I
By it be swayed
Still love my betrayer
My enemy, my brother
My Friend
Still always
And to the end
For twas thine own
Brother who did betray
And though the price
He did pay
Thine gift twas death
That life within
May revive
And restore
To bring the lost
To thine open door
That they may be
Lost no more
-Joshua Lee Foist
To meet and pray
To kneel before thy throne
While brothers gather round
In isolation a shroud
May not these thoughts in me
Be proud
Yet save thy love in me
Instead abound
Though the betrayers
Blade at my back
Be stayed
Still not shall I
By it be swayed
Still love my betrayer
My enemy, my brother
My Friend
Still always
And to the end
For twas thine own
Brother who did betray
And though the price
He did pay
Thine gift twas death
That life within
May revive
And restore
To bring the lost
To thine open door
That they may be
Lost no more
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, May 19, 2012
When ere the waves come rollin
When ere the waves come rollin
And soft the night is crawlin
So carry me out to sea
Swift over sand and shore
And carry me
Till I am no more
Let thy shadow cover me
Though always clear
Before thee
Hide me in
The rushing waves
Carry me out
Ore hurricanes
Fly me high
Till skies
May cease
Carry me ore
To calm
And peace
Then softly
Lay me
In beds of grace
Where always
Soft and sure
Thy comfort
More
For long beyond
The shadowlands
Lies a joy
That sorrows
Long to understand
Where troubles
Are no more
When opened wide
Welcomed inside
The gates
Of that eternal land
Where ere the sand
Is smooth
And seas
Are silver shaded
Wonders
Where mountains rise
Beyond the skies
And sunlight ceaseless
Ever Shines
-Joshua Lee Foist
And soft the night is crawlin
So carry me out to sea
Swift over sand and shore
And carry me
Till I am no more
Let thy shadow cover me
Though always clear
Before thee
Hide me in
The rushing waves
Carry me out
Ore hurricanes
Fly me high
Till skies
May cease
Carry me ore
To calm
And peace
Then softly
Lay me
In beds of grace
Where always
Soft and sure
Thy comfort
More
For long beyond
The shadowlands
Lies a joy
That sorrows
Long to understand
Where troubles
Are no more
When opened wide
Welcomed inside
The gates
Of that eternal land
Where ere the sand
Is smooth
And seas
Are silver shaded
Wonders
Where mountains rise
Beyond the skies
And sunlight ceaseless
Ever Shines
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, May 18, 2012
She of whom I so long
She of whom I so long
Of which the nights roll on
And wonder I if ere we may
Meet again
The lump in my throat
The anguish that's near
Are they all so fleeting
This heart ever beating
This prayer that keeps
Repeating repeating
Hoping its you
At times this
Romantic bliss
Seems a dream
And nothing more
The nights that go on
The days without number
Oh why such sorrow
Let the day be
And the morrow
What it will
Whether in this life
Or the next
If ere we meet again
Thy warmth
Thy friendship
The fond embrace
May it yet still
Remain
Awhile
Though such things
Are fleeting
Their memory
Shall remain
Through doubt
Or through pain
My love
For thee shall
Remain
-Joshua Lee Foist
Of which the nights roll on
And wonder I if ere we may
Meet again
The lump in my throat
The anguish that's near
Are they all so fleeting
This heart ever beating
This prayer that keeps
Repeating repeating
Hoping its you
At times this
Romantic bliss
Seems a dream
And nothing more
The nights that go on
The days without number
Oh why such sorrow
Let the day be
And the morrow
What it will
Whether in this life
Or the next
If ere we meet again
Thy warmth
Thy friendship
The fond embrace
May it yet still
Remain
Awhile
Though such things
Are fleeting
Their memory
Shall remain
Through doubt
Or through pain
My love
For thee shall
Remain
-Joshua Lee Foist
Sunday, May 13, 2012
A gentle reminder that she is there
A gentle reminder that she is there
A comfort a prayer
Embrace
In the early hours of morning
Or the eve of twilight
To listen and to guide
Often by my side
In trials and in triumphs
Her love most constant
Often in quiet moments
While others unaware
Such is her love
For all the years past
And those that may
Yet last
Thankful for her love
Her forgiveness
Her faithfulness
And for what days
May lie ahead
To cherish
May her gifts
Go on
To warm the hearts
Of many
Ere the hours
Be gone
Still her love
Lingers on
-Joshua Lee Foist
A comfort a prayer
Embrace
In the early hours of morning
Or the eve of twilight
To listen and to guide
Often by my side
In trials and in triumphs
Her love most constant
Often in quiet moments
While others unaware
Such is her love
For all the years past
And those that may
Yet last
Thankful for her love
Her forgiveness
Her faithfulness
And for what days
May lie ahead
To cherish
May her gifts
Go on
To warm the hearts
Of many
Ere the hours
Be gone
Still her love
Lingers on
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, May 11, 2012
Of wonders yet untold
Of wonders yet untold
There are days
Of long sense
I have known
When dreams
Lay not dormant
But real
Thy light was full
With colors beyond
Description
Then darkness came
Not from this place
But from those
Who would desire
This joy all
Their own
To steal it away
And make much
Of it
But it did
Throw them
Into fits of rage
The wonder
Now a horror
To behold
For had they
Not the strength
To it endure
For this wonder
Was pure
From a place
They did long
Abhor
And so to darkness
More did they descend
Until the day and night
Seemed as one
But hope was not gone
It had only been hidden
From view by the fog
Of their follies
And fears
Yet while still
In the pit
Within the cage
Of their zealous
Rage
Hope did find
One of its own kind
But truly pure
For it knew the scorn
And the despair
Yet still it bore
The pain
All to gain
That which the youth
Could not itself obtain
For hope did always remain
While still in sin
Didst plunge it deep
Within
Till to the core
Of all depravity
Ripped from the source
The horrors of hell
And took them all
That man may find
The joy of which
His wrongs had so
Longed
Yet this joy was real
Twas beyond any
That one could
Himself obtain
So in humble
Submission
Cried he out
For forgiveness
And love did steal him away
And of the darkness and despair
Up to the heavens where hope
Had always been
That once more
God may live
Among men
And call them
Kin
-Joshua Lee Foist
There are days
Of long sense
I have known
When dreams
Lay not dormant
But real
Thy light was full
With colors beyond
Description
Then darkness came
Not from this place
But from those
Who would desire
This joy all
Their own
To steal it away
And make much
Of it
But it did
Throw them
Into fits of rage
The wonder
Now a horror
To behold
For had they
Not the strength
To it endure
For this wonder
Was pure
From a place
They did long
Abhor
And so to darkness
More did they descend
Until the day and night
Seemed as one
But hope was not gone
It had only been hidden
From view by the fog
Of their follies
And fears
Yet while still
In the pit
Within the cage
Of their zealous
Rage
Hope did find
One of its own kind
But truly pure
For it knew the scorn
And the despair
Yet still it bore
The pain
All to gain
That which the youth
Could not itself obtain
For hope did always remain
While still in sin
Didst plunge it deep
Within
Till to the core
Of all depravity
Ripped from the source
The horrors of hell
And took them all
That man may find
The joy of which
His wrongs had so
Longed
Yet this joy was real
Twas beyond any
That one could
Himself obtain
So in humble
Submission
Cried he out
For forgiveness
And love did steal him away
And of the darkness and despair
Up to the heavens where hope
Had always been
That once more
God may live
Among men
And call them
Kin
-Joshua Lee Foist
Monday, April 30, 2012
Canst here remain
Canst here remain
Within my pain
For downward
Drains the life
From me
Once shed all sins
And sorrows known
Then come thee
Come home
For sorrows
Need not all
Thy days
There is
Still dawn
Delight
Of days
For fill thy eyes
With wondrous
Surprise
And draw thee in
Thy comfort
Again
So long all fear
Hath plagued
Thee here
And here
Abide
In love
Do hide
How warm thy touch
And full thy joy
For long our hearts
Have longed for thee
-Joshua Lee Foist
Within my pain
For downward
Drains the life
From me
Once shed all sins
And sorrows known
Then come thee
Come home
For sorrows
Need not all
Thy days
There is
Still dawn
Delight
Of days
For fill thy eyes
With wondrous
Surprise
And draw thee in
Thy comfort
Again
So long all fear
Hath plagued
Thee here
And here
Abide
In love
Do hide
How warm thy touch
And full thy joy
For long our hearts
Have longed for thee
-Joshua Lee Foist
Oh joyous glance of once romance
Oh joyous glance of once romance
Thine eyes did dance awhile
Yet here beguile of once
No more
Now do abhor
That once had been
This jaded hope
Hath come and gone
As poison fills the veins
Thine eyes doth pierce
And boil the blood
Of once thought love
Where now art thou
Must scarce admire
For fear desire
Should draw us in
Yet ne'er again
Canst bear the shame
That without name
Doth blacken hearts
And chill the bone
Till once more are we
Alone
No more shall we
Drink deep of thee
Thy cup too full
Duplicity
So to the depths
Of darkness deep
Where to our souls
Do long to creep
When ere the sun
Hath set
Embrace the night
Its cool delight
-Joshua Lee Foist
Thine eyes did dance awhile
Yet here beguile of once
No more
Now do abhor
That once had been
This jaded hope
Hath come and gone
As poison fills the veins
Thine eyes doth pierce
And boil the blood
Of once thought love
Where now art thou
Must scarce admire
For fear desire
Should draw us in
Yet ne'er again
Canst bear the shame
That without name
Doth blacken hearts
And chill the bone
Till once more are we
Alone
No more shall we
Drink deep of thee
Thy cup too full
Duplicity
So to the depths
Of darkness deep
Where to our souls
Do long to creep
When ere the sun
Hath set
Embrace the night
Its cool delight
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Onward and upward is the ever increasing climb
Onward and upward is the ever increasing climb
Oft though my heart fears it may ne'er rise again
Crawling and falling yet always ahead
For there lies the goal by which all hope is fed
Yet still the toil doth take its toll
And oft this soul doth long to lose control
To fly and fall into oblivion
To relinquish the ground that's gained
Still this deepest desire
Doth oft it require
To press on through
The muck and mire
Though the soul doth tire
Still a steady pace
Shall find us
Face to face
When strength shall cease
In thee release
Our burdens bear
Your strength
Our peace
Our breath restore
Once more
Ahead
And onward
Tread
For all our hopes
Are pressed in thee
Who gives us strength
Beyond
And faith
When all our sight
Is gone
Till dawn shall break
Our eyes awake
-Joshua Lee Foist
Oft though my heart fears it may ne'er rise again
Crawling and falling yet always ahead
For there lies the goal by which all hope is fed
Yet still the toil doth take its toll
And oft this soul doth long to lose control
To fly and fall into oblivion
To relinquish the ground that's gained
Still this deepest desire
Doth oft it require
To press on through
The muck and mire
Though the soul doth tire
Still a steady pace
Shall find us
Face to face
When strength shall cease
In thee release
Our burdens bear
Your strength
Our peace
Our breath restore
Once more
Ahead
And onward
Tread
For all our hopes
Are pressed in thee
Who gives us strength
Beyond
And faith
When all our sight
Is gone
Till dawn shall break
Our eyes awake
-Joshua Lee Foist
Thursday, April 26, 2012
On days like these where doubts creep in
On days like these where doubts creep in
And all such dreams seem as ordinary things
To ponder in the silence and stillness
Where might it all go
This day this single stroke of time
Where seconds seem centuries
Surely someday shall cease
Yet still there is some release
Between the burden and the barrier
Lies a peaceful meadow
Where troubles are tossed
And the hours are lost
The dreams of once we knew
For a short while
Seem just in view
Yet there is a pain
That still doth remain
It wakes me from my
Slumber to the toilsome
Days without number
How long must it be
Shall we ere again
To the sea
Where might we be tossed
In the currents we be lost
And found upon the shore
Where our sorrows no more
Shall pass through
That open door
The desert drains
The little that remains
The sweat seems
Our only respite
But there is a hope in me
Beyond all certainty
For that which scarce
Can be seen
Where shadows had been
Now light shines in
Where darkness had drifted
Daylight hath dawned
Tis not always
Shall we season here
Yea in time
We shall drink thy joys divine
When at last these trials cease
And at journeys end find we
Our long lost peace
-Joshua Lee Foist
And all such dreams seem as ordinary things
To ponder in the silence and stillness
Where might it all go
This day this single stroke of time
Where seconds seem centuries
Surely someday shall cease
Yet still there is some release
Between the burden and the barrier
Lies a peaceful meadow
Where troubles are tossed
And the hours are lost
The dreams of once we knew
For a short while
Seem just in view
Yet there is a pain
That still doth remain
It wakes me from my
Slumber to the toilsome
Days without number
How long must it be
Shall we ere again
To the sea
Where might we be tossed
In the currents we be lost
And found upon the shore
Where our sorrows no more
Shall pass through
That open door
The desert drains
The little that remains
The sweat seems
Our only respite
But there is a hope in me
Beyond all certainty
For that which scarce
Can be seen
Where shadows had been
Now light shines in
Where darkness had drifted
Daylight hath dawned
Tis not always
Shall we season here
Yea in time
We shall drink thy joys divine
When at last these trials cease
And at journeys end find we
Our long lost peace
-Joshua Lee Foist
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
For all thy journeys yet departed
For all thy journeys yet departed
Of worlds and wonders yet uncharted
Through all the ages
Shall thee guide
When pathways grow narrow
And pathways grow wide
Doth bridge the great divide
And carry us
Thy way unknown
The pathway yet shown
Still faithful
Thy guide
When all such companions
May ere depart
Steadfast and near
Thy heart
When shadows surround
And darkness enshroud
Thy hand shall hold
Though night grow cold
So steady thy way
From night to day
What ere such trial
Shall carry awhile
Till at last
The fog tis past
And dawn
Doth yawn
Cross the meadowland
And drink its fill
With fire raging thrill
To rise and shine
Upon us still
Thy pathway
Doth light
Through all
Day and night
Shall remain
While still
There is hope
To carry on
Oh sweet companion
So faithful and true
My life this path
Owe I to you
-Joshua Lee Foist
Of worlds and wonders yet uncharted
Through all the ages
Shall thee guide
When pathways grow narrow
And pathways grow wide
Doth bridge the great divide
And carry us
Thy way unknown
The pathway yet shown
Still faithful
Thy guide
When all such companions
May ere depart
Steadfast and near
Thy heart
When shadows surround
And darkness enshroud
Thy hand shall hold
Though night grow cold
So steady thy way
From night to day
What ere such trial
Shall carry awhile
Till at last
The fog tis past
And dawn
Doth yawn
Cross the meadowland
And drink its fill
With fire raging thrill
To rise and shine
Upon us still
Thy pathway
Doth light
Through all
Day and night
Shall remain
While still
There is hope
To carry on
Oh sweet companion
So faithful and true
My life this path
Owe I to you
-Joshua Lee Foist
Love of thee I cannot define
Love of thee I cannot define
For all that is thee
Tis not mine
Thy ways so far
From what should be
In me
For all the fathoms
Of follies
Faithful
Amidst the shattered
Pieces scattered about
Thy love doth
Surround and fill
The endless cracks
Of corruption
Nothing can
Overwhelm
Or diminish
Thy love
Conquers
All
When all others
Are quenched
Thy flame
Burns brighter
Through all
Ages
Oh might thy
Flame fill
My heart
May it burn
Deep
And cleanse
The blackness
That so oft
Remains
So depart
Oh shadows
And summon
The light
Which doth
Give life
Oh love
Fill and consume
Weave me
To thy will
That my heart
May ne'er
Depart
From thee
Oh love
Remain always
Within and
Without
That all the world
May see thy fullness
In me
-Joshua Lee Foist
For all that is thee
Tis not mine
Thy ways so far
From what should be
In me
For all the fathoms
Of follies
Faithful
Amidst the shattered
Pieces scattered about
Thy love doth
Surround and fill
The endless cracks
Of corruption
Nothing can
Overwhelm
Or diminish
Thy love
Conquers
All
When all others
Are quenched
Thy flame
Burns brighter
Through all
Ages
Oh might thy
Flame fill
My heart
May it burn
Deep
And cleanse
The blackness
That so oft
Remains
So depart
Oh shadows
And summon
The light
Which doth
Give life
Oh love
Fill and consume
Weave me
To thy will
That my heart
May ne'er
Depart
From thee
Oh love
Remain always
Within and
Without
That all the world
May see thy fullness
In me
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, April 20, 2012
Content my heart
Content my heart
May it ever be
Let not my
Stealing eyes
Wander to
Their own
Demise
The world sits
In pretty lies
Yet shallow
Is their
Silken
Disguise
So look up
And onward
To that which
Lies but just
Ahead
Lift thy gaze
To that which
Is worthy of
Thy praise
For glory awaits
Beyond passing shadows
And foggy eyes
Soon shall see
The light
Beyond
The Mystery
-Joshua Lee Foist
May it ever be
Let not my
Stealing eyes
Wander to
Their own
Demise
The world sits
In pretty lies
Yet shallow
Is their
Silken
Disguise
So look up
And onward
To that which
Lies but just
Ahead
Lift thy gaze
To that which
Is worthy of
Thy praise
For glory awaits
Beyond passing shadows
And foggy eyes
Soon shall see
The light
Beyond
The Mystery
-Joshua Lee Foist
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Of this sweet love I can ere attest
Of this sweet love I can ere attest
That my heart to thee shall ever be
Though the days grow dark
And light be hard to find
Thy sunshine shall guide me
Thy way shall warm me
In the wintered wind
Surround me
Thy soft thy sweet delight
Though the fight
Goes on and on
Steadfast my heart
May we as one
And one day be
Despite the storms
May come
Together in
The father's plan
Shall find
The joys of man
Divine
While still the days
Shall linger here
May we grow fond
Of that which lies beyond
Thy mirror reflection
Or thy softest words
Canst ere express
Yet still yet still
Perchance may be
If faithful we
May be
-Joshua Lee Foist
That my heart to thee shall ever be
Though the days grow dark
And light be hard to find
Thy sunshine shall guide me
Thy way shall warm me
In the wintered wind
Surround me
Thy soft thy sweet delight
Though the fight
Goes on and on
Steadfast my heart
May we as one
And one day be
Despite the storms
May come
Together in
The father's plan
Shall find
The joys of man
Divine
While still the days
Shall linger here
May we grow fond
Of that which lies beyond
Thy mirror reflection
Or thy softest words
Canst ere express
Yet still yet still
Perchance may be
If faithful we
May be
-Joshua Lee Foist
Thursday, April 12, 2012
How the weather which rages
How the weather which rages
Within my heart and within my soul
Rages on and on without control
Tossed and lost in the turbulent winds
Whisked away by the strength of its force
Caught and tossed far off course
Where might the winds take me
From where shall I see the solid ground
All around a rustling within me
And there is but little calm
With which to wrap me in
The sun that shines
Shines harshly upon me
The dragon exposed
In its ugly event
If only to calm
This beating heart
If only the soul
Might solace within
To wade in the cool
Clear waters
To roll in the green
Of the grass
Alas if it all
May come
May come
When all Of life
Tis done
-Joshua Lee Foist
Within my heart and within my soul
Rages on and on without control
Tossed and lost in the turbulent winds
Whisked away by the strength of its force
Caught and tossed far off course
Where might the winds take me
From where shall I see the solid ground
All around a rustling within me
And there is but little calm
With which to wrap me in
The sun that shines
Shines harshly upon me
The dragon exposed
In its ugly event
If only to calm
This beating heart
If only the soul
Might solace within
To wade in the cool
Clear waters
To roll in the green
Of the grass
Alas if it all
May come
May come
When all Of life
Tis done
-Joshua Lee Foist
Monday, April 9, 2012
Amidst the fog of April
Amidst the fog of April
And 'sending spring
Lies this canopy
Of mist
Mysterious wonder
To where canst
One guess
Beyond the scented dew
Drops the distant day
Lost in the ephemeral
Bliss of things unknown
Where dance we
In thy fleeting
Fragrance
Of dreams
And mystic maze
To settle
Where the winds
May graze
Wet our lips
With wonder
To drink
In thy gaze
And to joy
Thy hanging host
In passing
Makes
The early morn
Awake
Upon
Thy shadowy
Splendor
-Joshua Lee Foist
And 'sending spring
Lies this canopy
Of mist
Mysterious wonder
To where canst
One guess
Beyond the scented dew
Drops the distant day
Lost in the ephemeral
Bliss of things unknown
Where dance we
In thy fleeting
Fragrance
Of dreams
And mystic maze
To settle
Where the winds
May graze
Wet our lips
With wonder
To drink
In thy gaze
And to joy
Thy hanging host
In passing
Makes
The early morn
Awake
Upon
Thy shadowy
Splendor
-Joshua Lee Foist
Steady on oh sweet dove
Steady on oh sweet dove
Steady on oh my love
For farther yet
Are the fragrances above
A wealth of wisdom
Lies open in waiting hours
While folly flourishes
Among eager desires
May thee joy in the rain
And the passing spring
What ere the days may bring
Whether fog
Or favor of
A friend
My love
Thy longing
Must always be
Above
No greater
No richer
Diviner
Than this
Tis rosier
And richer
Than the sweetest
Kiss
Yet seek
With all thy
Heart
And thee shall endure
And in time
May find
A love that's pure
-Joshua Lee Foist
Steady on oh my love
For farther yet
Are the fragrances above
A wealth of wisdom
Lies open in waiting hours
While folly flourishes
Among eager desires
May thee joy in the rain
And the passing spring
What ere the days may bring
Whether fog
Or favor of
A friend
My love
Thy longing
Must always be
Above
No greater
No richer
Diviner
Than this
Tis rosier
And richer
Than the sweetest
Kiss
Yet seek
With all thy
Heart
And thee shall endure
And in time
May find
A love that's pure
-Joshua Lee Foist
Sunday, April 8, 2012
While were we mucking about
While were we mucking about
In the schemes of our own
Found pleasure
Not far off were thee
Hanging upon
The tree
Thy price was payed
While we disdained
In our sins remained
And in the ground
While we lost
Were scattered round
And forth
The day
In victory
That some may come
And follow thee
For once were lost
And found
Are we
By grace
Here found
In Him
Who died
Our death
Deserved
In sin
And bridged
The chasm
Wrought
By men
And brought
Them home
To life
Again
-Joshua Lee Foist
In the schemes of our own
Found pleasure
Not far off were thee
Hanging upon
The tree
Thy price was payed
While we disdained
In our sins remained
And in the ground
While we lost
Were scattered round
And forth
The day
In victory
That some may come
And follow thee
For once were lost
And found
Are we
By grace
Here found
In Him
Who died
Our death
Deserved
In sin
And bridged
The chasm
Wrought
By men
And brought
Them home
To life
Again
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Of foolish follies and mudpies
Of foolish follies and mudpies
Mixed with luscious liesIn petty disguise
On paths of perdition
And endless endeavors of Eager ambition
When all the while
These halfhearted desires
Like flickering fires
Must constantly consume
More kindling to endure
When all that's pure
And full of flame
Is cast away
Yet there lies
The source of life
The unquenched flame
That does not flicker
Or seek some substance
Of which to grow
Tis self sustaining
And always remaining
Here lies the true desire
While men conspire
Its counterfeit
To have all
And none of it
Still it remains
And in time some
Souls shall claim
Who follow its
Flame
For bright
The light
Which burns
Always
Hath borne the earth
And given it birth
And though consuming
Still pursuing
All who may
Come and be
Caught up
In its fury
May cast all worry
When life hath it filled
Forevermore
Shall never cease
The soul which seeks
Shall find its peace
-Joshua Lee Foist (Loosely inspired by C. S. Lewis' Weight of Glory)
Mixed with luscious liesIn petty disguise
On paths of perdition
And endless endeavors of Eager ambition
When all the while
These halfhearted desires
Like flickering fires
Must constantly consume
More kindling to endure
When all that's pure
And full of flame
Is cast away
Yet there lies
The source of life
The unquenched flame
That does not flicker
Or seek some substance
Of which to grow
Tis self sustaining
And always remaining
Here lies the true desire
While men conspire
Its counterfeit
To have all
And none of it
Still it remains
And in time some
Souls shall claim
Who follow its
Flame
For bright
The light
Which burns
Always
Hath borne the earth
And given it birth
And though consuming
Still pursuing
All who may
Come and be
Caught up
In its fury
May cast all worry
When life hath it filled
Forevermore
Shall never cease
The soul which seeks
Shall find its peace
-Joshua Lee Foist (Loosely inspired by C. S. Lewis' Weight of Glory)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
For words my soul can scarce express
For words my soul can scarce express
Of this my heart must here confess
If none but this than this shall bless
For feeble hands shall fall
What formed tis meaningless
If all such trials
Shall once reveal
For all one's sorrow
At last may steal
When in humbled state
Shall fall to the ground
To face thy greatest fear
Thy greatest longing
In this belonging
To that which
All of life hath yearned
And now at last
Have learned
-Joshua Lee Foist
Of this my heart must here confess
If none but this than this shall bless
For feeble hands shall fall
What formed tis meaningless
If all such trials
Shall once reveal
For all one's sorrow
At last may steal
When in humbled state
Shall fall to the ground
To face thy greatest fear
Thy greatest longing
In this belonging
To that which
All of life hath yearned
And now at last
Have learned
-Joshua Lee Foist
Friday, March 23, 2012
When might the whirling winds
When might the whirling winds
Wrap us in their weight
And whisk us away
Upon that glorious land
When might we be allowed
To wander the sands
Of those far away lands
Of the long white cloud
Twas but a decagon
When last had we
Looked upon
Thy glistening green
And cerulean waters
They welcomed us
Wander through
That sanctorium of
Splendor
Yea still of those days
Remember
In the early decembered
Summerset spell
And still may we tell
Of those tales of old
That perchance in their
Telling might beckon
Us back
Awe of once to be there
And back again
Should surely we stay
For no other land
Could steal us away
Save that of which
This be as counterfeit
For that land
Which lies beyond
The sea and sand
Tis far grander
Than the greatest
Isle that may warm
Our hearts awhile
Yet when their thrill
Doth in us chill
Thy warmth will
Have barely begun
Its work
For there within
Our hearts have longed
Of lands so luxurious
To gaze upon that
Most glorious
For the Lord of that land
Doth stretch out his hand
To all who would come
As humble and dumb
That day by day
The deadly hours
Might drift away
Into millennial measure
Where time is a treasure
Ne'er tarnished again
For the hour awaits
When we may
At last approach
Those glorious gates
Where our Lord and King
Doth welcome us in
For once were we
As enemies
Now by His grace
May look upon
His face
And live
For the price
He hath paid
With his own blood
Hath paved
The pathway
From perdition
To paradise
-Joshua Lee Foist
Wrap us in their weight
And whisk us away
Upon that glorious land
When might we be allowed
To wander the sands
Of those far away lands
Of the long white cloud
Twas but a decagon
When last had we
Looked upon
Thy glistening green
And cerulean waters
They welcomed us
Wander through
That sanctorium of
Splendor
Yea still of those days
Remember
In the early decembered
Summerset spell
And still may we tell
Of those tales of old
That perchance in their
Telling might beckon
Us back
Awe of once to be there
And back again
Should surely we stay
For no other land
Could steal us away
Save that of which
This be as counterfeit
For that land
Which lies beyond
The sea and sand
Tis far grander
Than the greatest
Isle that may warm
Our hearts awhile
Yet when their thrill
Doth in us chill
Thy warmth will
Have barely begun
Its work
For there within
Our hearts have longed
Of lands so luxurious
To gaze upon that
Most glorious
For the Lord of that land
Doth stretch out his hand
To all who would come
As humble and dumb
That day by day
The deadly hours
Might drift away
Into millennial measure
Where time is a treasure
Ne'er tarnished again
For the hour awaits
When we may
At last approach
Those glorious gates
Where our Lord and King
Doth welcome us in
For once were we
As enemies
Now by His grace
May look upon
His face
And live
For the price
He hath paid
With his own blood
Hath paved
The pathway
From perdition
To paradise
-Joshua Lee Foist
On days of which my heart hath pled
On days of which my heart hath pled
How long must I wait how long must I
Tread down this path
Of enchanted moments
Less fed by the unquenching
Dread that here lies all
That may be said
For where might we meet
Beyond the swirls of the crystalline
Pools where stand we
As plain fools
Might be
Of love long we
Yet see thee past
The woodland arbors
And willowing wastelands
These wisps of wind
Canst ere be a friend
For long have we tumbled
Midst the thorn and thistle
Tossed and troubled we
Lie open to all
Wandering folk
The joke oft seems
Upon us
Yet wonder still
Might dance
In the thrill
Of romance
Yet when
Twill beckon us in
Fore the worlds
Shall end
And newness
Begin
May still find
A friend
Though short
Are the sands
Sifting through
The glass
Alas
The hours
Remain
The flickering light
Dances dreadfully
Dimmer
Till the dawn
Be dusk
Yet still
The shadows
Shroud us in
The fogs
A fragrant
Bedfellow
To fill
This furrow
Of flesh
Till the rash
Turns to ash
And drifts away
Save the soul
Shall rise
When the rest
Meets its
Demise
Then rise
With eager
Expectant eyes
To thy glory
That awaits
For whether
In earth
May find
Forever
A friend
Shall be
In the ages
Of eternity
-Joshua Lee Foist
How long must I wait how long must I
Tread down this path
Of enchanted moments
Less fed by the unquenching
Dread that here lies all
That may be said
For where might we meet
Beyond the swirls of the crystalline
Pools where stand we
As plain fools
Might be
Of love long we
Yet see thee past
The woodland arbors
And willowing wastelands
These wisps of wind
Canst ere be a friend
For long have we tumbled
Midst the thorn and thistle
Tossed and troubled we
Lie open to all
Wandering folk
The joke oft seems
Upon us
Yet wonder still
Might dance
In the thrill
Of romance
Yet when
Twill beckon us in
Fore the worlds
Shall end
And newness
Begin
May still find
A friend
Though short
Are the sands
Sifting through
The glass
Alas
The hours
Remain
The flickering light
Dances dreadfully
Dimmer
Till the dawn
Be dusk
Yet still
The shadows
Shroud us in
The fogs
A fragrant
Bedfellow
To fill
This furrow
Of flesh
Till the rash
Turns to ash
And drifts away
Save the soul
Shall rise
When the rest
Meets its
Demise
Then rise
With eager
Expectant eyes
To thy glory
That awaits
For whether
In earth
May find
Forever
A friend
Shall be
In the ages
Of eternity
-Joshua Lee Foist
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Awaken oh dawn
Awaken oh dawn
And break forth
Into day
Awaken oh sun
And steal me
Away
Surround me
In your warmth
And melt me
Deep within
Fill this void
That oft
Hath enshrouded
me
Oh come and taste
Thine early hours
Of grace
Soothe my sorrows
And steady
My pace
Rest awhile
In thy refreshing
Rays
Welcoming in
This wandering
Heart
Safe and still
Thine anthem
Surreal
Yet sure
Thy motive
Is pure
Yes come
Drink
And take
Thy fill
-Joshua Lee Foist
And break forth
Into day
Awaken oh sun
And steal me
Away
Surround me
In your warmth
And melt me
Deep within
Fill this void
That oft
Hath enshrouded
me
Oh come and taste
Thine early hours
Of grace
Soothe my sorrows
And steady
My pace
Rest awhile
In thy refreshing
Rays
Welcoming in
This wandering
Heart
Safe and still
Thine anthem
Surreal
Yet sure
Thy motive
Is pure
Yes come
Drink
And take
Thy fill
-Joshua Lee Foist
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I was deep in my dismal duplicity
I was deep in my dismal duplicity
Sunken in my state of sinful consumption
The shadows of my convention
Surround and shrouded me in
My eyes grew heavy
The day seemed as the night
For all the stars
Seemed not to light
Upon me
Too long had the sycophant
Sucked away at me
The man of once
Now a mere puppet
Was me
What hope could I find
For all round lay
Remnants of ravaged
And wasted investments
Enshrined
Then deep in the pit
I felt a still rumble
It began to pick
At the scars
The scales began to fall
I started to glimpse
A silhouette beside me
I felt the breath
It warmed me
Where once I thought
Could ne'er again
Somewhere inside
I longed to confide
To withdraw from this place
I felt a slight tinge of hope
That this someone
Might give it me
Then as if he knew my thoughts
He spoke to me:
"Art thou ready to cast
Thy burden aside
Art thou prepared
To come and die
That life anew may
Fill and heal thee
Of thy sin"
"How" I cried
"Canst come I too this"
"By my sacrifice
I have borne the greatest
Price
If thou would here repent
And to me thy soul consent
Then shall thee find
Thyself content"
"Thy gift is great
Yet I fear the cost"
"Fear not the cost
Though thy mortal self
Be lost
For thy soul shall save
If thee should
Follow me"
Though my heart
Felt faint
Deep within
I knew
Twas true
And still
While words
Were formed in me
Did carry me
From that
Awful place
My valentine
Twas He
Devine
Who pulled me
From the grave
To save
That I might
Ere with Him
Remain
No more the shroud
Of mine aged skin
Did cling to me
Now cast aside
And free
My Savior
Who
Didst die
For me
And rose
In all victory
And brought me
Home to Him
Who bore my sin
That I be lost
And found in him
-Joshua Lee Foist
Sunken in my state of sinful consumption
The shadows of my convention
Surround and shrouded me in
My eyes grew heavy
The day seemed as the night
For all the stars
Seemed not to light
Upon me
Too long had the sycophant
Sucked away at me
The man of once
Now a mere puppet
Was me
What hope could I find
For all round lay
Remnants of ravaged
And wasted investments
Enshrined
Then deep in the pit
I felt a still rumble
It began to pick
At the scars
The scales began to fall
I started to glimpse
A silhouette beside me
I felt the breath
It warmed me
Where once I thought
Could ne'er again
Somewhere inside
I longed to confide
To withdraw from this place
I felt a slight tinge of hope
That this someone
Might give it me
Then as if he knew my thoughts
He spoke to me:
"Art thou ready to cast
Thy burden aside
Art thou prepared
To come and die
That life anew may
Fill and heal thee
Of thy sin"
"How" I cried
"Canst come I too this"
"By my sacrifice
I have borne the greatest
Price
If thou would here repent
And to me thy soul consent
Then shall thee find
Thyself content"
"Thy gift is great
Yet I fear the cost"
"Fear not the cost
Though thy mortal self
Be lost
For thy soul shall save
If thee should
Follow me"
Though my heart
Felt faint
Deep within
I knew
Twas true
And still
While words
Were formed in me
Did carry me
From that
Awful place
My valentine
Twas He
Devine
Who pulled me
From the grave
To save
That I might
Ere with Him
Remain
No more the shroud
Of mine aged skin
Did cling to me
Now cast aside
And free
My Savior
Who
Didst die
For me
And rose
In all victory
And brought me
Home to Him
Who bore my sin
That I be lost
And found in him
-Joshua Lee Foist
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I've got it bad for what I cannot have
I've got it bad for what I cannot have
I've got a thrill for what
I know Can't be real
This game of which
I ne'er yet seem to tame
And I am all for one to blame
Must it all remain the same
Till at once it all should end
Where the worlds meet
My friend
The oceans apart
That hold my heart
From the dream
And the truth
Virtue is its proof
At times it drives one
Insane
The hope without the gain
But what we can attain
If only to remain
True to what we know will last
Not held back by a dreaded past
When old things pass away
And steal us away
To the fields of green
Where our hearts always
Longed to have been
Where dreams we thought
Could never be
Come to see
What once blinded eyes
Could ne'er agree
For found were we
In this pleasant bliss
The morning dew
Greets us with
Its early kiss
A taste of once
We thought would miss
Yet so much more
Awaits beyond
Its open door
If we long to wait
For that which we've been
Waiting for
The time unknown
The place unshown
But when at last
All things are
Past
For all at once
And ushered in
To that for which
Our whole lives
Have longed
To have been
-Joshua Lee Foist
I've got a thrill for what
I know Can't be real
This game of which
I ne'er yet seem to tame
And I am all for one to blame
Must it all remain the same
Till at once it all should end
Where the worlds meet
My friend
The oceans apart
That hold my heart
From the dream
And the truth
Virtue is its proof
At times it drives one
Insane
The hope without the gain
But what we can attain
If only to remain
True to what we know will last
Not held back by a dreaded past
When old things pass away
And steal us away
To the fields of green
Where our hearts always
Longed to have been
Where dreams we thought
Could never be
Come to see
What once blinded eyes
Could ne'er agree
For found were we
In this pleasant bliss
The morning dew
Greets us with
Its early kiss
A taste of once
We thought would miss
Yet so much more
Awaits beyond
Its open door
If we long to wait
For that which we've been
Waiting for
The time unknown
The place unshown
But when at last
All things are
Past
For all at once
And ushered in
To that for which
Our whole lives
Have longed
To have been
-Joshua Lee Foist
Saturday, January 7, 2012
In this brief moment while I am not sinning
In this brief moment while I am not sinning
May thy devined work beginning
Reveal the plan devised
Before thee first opened
Mine eyes
In the quiet of this room
While all are resting
May so my heart long
To sing thy song
Of praise
For lo the days
Grow dark
And the spark
Is ere yet fleating
While still my heart
Within me is beating
Yea depart
And take me
Before once more
I should flee
Yet not my will
But thine alone
Can forge the path
Of life unknown
Thy will becomes
My own
When thy grace
Is fully shown
When mercy
Finds me
Deep in sin
Then begins
Thy work
To dwell
Within
Oh to but rest
In thee this day
For while the morning light
Tis yet in sight
Gather me
In thy wings
Of grace
Till I may see
Thee face to face
-Joshua Lee Foist
May thy devined work beginning
Reveal the plan devised
Before thee first opened
Mine eyes
In the quiet of this room
While all are resting
May so my heart long
To sing thy song
Of praise
For lo the days
Grow dark
And the spark
Is ere yet fleating
While still my heart
Within me is beating
Yea depart
And take me
Before once more
I should flee
Yet not my will
But thine alone
Can forge the path
Of life unknown
Thy will becomes
My own
When thy grace
Is fully shown
When mercy
Finds me
Deep in sin
Then begins
Thy work
To dwell
Within
Oh to but rest
In thee this day
For while the morning light
Tis yet in sight
Gather me
In thy wings
Of grace
Till I may see
Thee face to face
-Joshua Lee Foist
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