Lost

Darkness.

My fingertips grazed the cold rock wall beside me, my only guidance.

Others were with me.

There were rumors of light, something I had seen flashes of

but never begotten.

Most spoke of bitter hope, but it was slowly silenced as the

dark days went on.

I didn’t know how I entered this tunnel,

but I aimlessly searched

for answers.

I stumbled at the heels of others

and they stumbled on mine.

Often we heard a Voice calling in the distance

echoing with marvelous strength

but the darkness remained.

And then there was crossroads.

We felt the openings to two tunnels, we knew we needed to keep going,

but which way?

Someone was able to strike a flame, to burn a torch

there was thrashing and gnashing

many chasing its red glow down

the tunnel to the left.

But I heard the Voice still calling from the right

would I trust its warm promises of light?

Alone?

It was the only thing that had been there from the beginning,

but while others had lost interest

it had become my subsistence.

¹⁰ Who among you fears the Lord
    and obeys the voice of his servant?
Let him who walks in darkness
    and has no light
trust in the name of the Lord
    and rely on his God.
¹¹ Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
    who equip yourselves with burning torches!
Walk by the light of your fire,
    and by the torches that you have kindled!
This you have from my hand:
    you shall lie down in torment.

Isaiah 50:10-11