Words of The Lamb magazine

Gratitude for the Absence

by Michael Shoemaker

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High”
— Psalms 50:14 KJV

Thank you today
for the absence
of what came before.

leave from yelling
release from taunts
rest from envy
stilling of disputes
comfort in loneliness
relief from poverty
emancipation from sin
delivery from ignorance
curing of illness and injury
relief of worry
answers to prayers

Some surmise
these changes are
impossible in
one lifetime.
Millions attest
nothing is impossible
with God.
He loves to liberate the captive;
we rejoice in redemption.

Michael Shoemaker

Michael Shoemaker is a poet, writer, and photographer. He is the author of Rocky Mountain Reflections (Poets’ Choice, 2023). Michael is a winner of the California State Poetry Society Prize and is on the shortlist for The Letter Review Prize for Poetry. His writing has appeared in Blue Lake Review, The High Window, The Penwood Review, and elsewhere. His poems are anthologized at Poetry Pacific and Pure Slush. He lives in Magna, Utah, with his wife and son. He is an editor for the Clayjar Review.
Words Of The Lamb

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