I lay on my back in bed
and reach one arm upward,
holding my hand open:
"Take it," I whisper to God,
"Just this once,
grasp mine in yours;
then I will be certain."

My hand hangs suspended,
waiting.

It's easy to do this–
try it some night–
for minutes hold your arm upright,
hand open,
ready     willing     waiting

For all the times I've tried,
God has yet to take my hand.
I will keep reaching.

If God grasps your hand,
let me know;
that may be enough for me.

Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.

To listen to this poem: Download I Lay on My Back