Wonderer

I wonder in the garden

If the couple ever thought

That they had something greater

Than the glory that they sought


A perfect whole communion

With their great and loving Lord

The end that they were made for

To enjoy him in accord


No–I suppose– they did not think

Or really understand

Else they would not pick anything

But to remain in his hand


The greatest pain that man could know

As the branch seared from the vine

A stream cut off from its source

It’s waters to run dry


I wonder at that moment

That death was not the end

That the Lord still made a promise

That this union he would mend


But what I do not wonder

Is that when we don’t feel him near

Then our hearts are heavy

And often filled with fear


If we were truly made

To know him and be known

How could it not shake us

In the times we feel alone?


No, I never wonder

Because I know too well

Of the joy that is in his presence

And the pain when it’s not felt


But I wonder in that garden

Where he knelt to pray

That even through his trembling

He didn’t go another way


For I have nothing to offer

That he could ever need

So tell me why then on that cross

Did my Savior bleed?


And yet he saw it fitting

–And we praise him all the more–

That Christ offer up this sacrifice

Right relation to restore


So we who feel abandoned

Destitute, forlorn

In confidence can now draw near

The curtain has been torn


I wonder at this promise

This prayer for the distressed

Nothing can separate us from his love

In that, wonderer, rest.