In a world that tells me the proper form

is to either crouch in a corner and cover my head

or stand at the door with a sword in my hand,

I will stretch myself out on the ground;

face and heart open to the still, small sound

of peace that transcends and offends.

For I have a shepherd who loves to guard his sheep.

His pasture is protected, any wolf who tries to sneak in will fall into a pit, black and deep.

So even under dark skies when my eyes

are tempted to search for enemies,

even when I can’t see what’s in front of me or coming towards me,

I will lay down

in confidence and sweet assurance

that because my life is not my own,

I am not my defender or protector.

My shield is that I’m known.

And intimacy with the One I love is what covers me

and sends a shudder of dread through my hateful enemy.

So I will lock eyes with the Man called Beauty

and dwell upon all that is lovely.

This, I declare, is not avoidance.

Oh, it is, in fact, the furthest thing from ignorance.

Indeed, it requires determination to refuse to be my own defense.

It takes surrender to not be bitter and not pick up offense.

This is my one resolve, my only resolution;

My declaration of dependence;

My vow in this eternal union;

To gaze at Him and Him alone

is revolution.