Κάθαρσις

With a fierceness that rivals the titan grasp
Of the Ocean upon the Tide,
Who knows naught but his home in the chill embrace
Where this current must sole reside,

With a fear that has kept such a Tide as this
Bound to darkness of depths unknown,
“For where else” pleads the Sea, “could you ebb and flow
If not staying where you’ve been shown?”

So have we held our hearts in familiar ways
To the pattern of things less divine
Than the breadth and the height that are manifest
In our Maker’s unchanged design.

What would Tide come to be if he broke away
From the waxing and waning that give
The appearance of movement while moving not?
He remembers not how else to live.

If he lift from the sea, would he come undone?
No more Tide would he be, but now Wind:
Very image of Spirit that moves unafraid,
Unbeholden, unbound and unpinned.

So do we, half inspired, half doubting the call,
Take on life unfamiliar and bold,
Free as truly to be as we have been made,
And unmaking our graven mold.

Now take heart, for your heart is the host within
Of a Kingdom, a Love and a Fire
That consumes what is false, ’til we find ourselves faced
With the face of our heart’s true desire.