"Steadies my Doubts" by Melody Lipford
I feel pent up
but bottled out.
I feel well spent,
yet restless now.
My heart’s on a race
but full of fatigue.
My chest is tight.
I’ve lost some sleep.
I’m filled with faith,
yet not so sure.
A steady ship,
now battered from life’s storms.
I feel sustained
but weathered down.
I want to sail,
but I’m afraid to flee.
Too afraid to leave the shore
because I don’t know what I’ll trade what I’m leaving for.
I want to plan,
but I’ve learned not to control it now.
God taught me humanity could plan,
but I need to let Him direct my steps now.
I’m partly sad but partly glad.
He closed some doors
I shouldn’t have opened.
And like a good Father,
He didn’t leave me to face them alone.
Yes, like a Good Shepherd, He herded me
back into His field of joy and peace.
And slowly, patiently,
I’m starting to feel like myself again...
Reminded that I’m a true daughter of Him.
And when I thought the Lord would be done with me,
His mercy new every morning encompasses me;
It stills me, calms my heart’s winds, and steadies my doubts.
Melody Lipford is a poet and author based in southwest Virginia writing on various subjects from the Appalachian region to her Christian faith. Previous publications include Diary of Psalms (her debut Chrisitan poetry chapbook), "Nanny's Kitchen" Train River Poetry: Winter 2020 Anthology, "A Pandemic Christmas" Tis the Seasons: Poems for Your Holiday Spirit, "Guiding Star" and "As White As Snow" Calla Press. Follow Melody on Facebook and Instagram @melodylipfordpoetry or her website at melodylipfordpoetry.wordpress.com for more content and future releases.