Ascension By Fire

The silent news spoke Nothing of my grief, the fire Came after the smoke Children, grandchildren Were'nt lollipops of the flames Choking on prayers The serpent's eyes red Looked, and from our fortress fled Staining just one room With the ash of sin Investment here of its doom Without rain or tears Throw the old things out Burnt furniture, wet clothes scarred With water and dirt Human life is more Than grief can measure in loss This, yet we endure Carol, dear, and John Give Candice my love's regard We shall build again The phoenix in us Resist the yearning in dust To fracture our trust We rise, and we rise The spark above leaping fire Death is love disguised, The balm of the skies We believe and do not need The germ in the seed. Let old visions die Frail vanity now disposed Fresh faith from it grows For in this despair Our safety meant God is here Life is only grace.