Time and Transcendence

Some say you are a neutral conveyor;
Others see a grim, subtle betrayer.

Time, what have you done with my youthful dreams?

Time, what are these languid, converging streams?

What are you doing? Where are you taking me?

When will the shadowlands disappear?

Where are the ones I love who wait for me?

Is it a distant realm, or are we near?

Through the misty valley of death's shadow,

Toward an elevated, distant plateau,

Lead me, but will you not pause to show me

A world where I'll know the ones who know me?

What are you doing? Where are you taking me?

When will the shadowlands disappear?

Where are the ones I love who wait for me?

Is it a distant realm, or are we near?

Time, will I someday know as I am known?

Yes, that's what I believe; that's what I foresee.

So why do I feel so lost, so alone?

Why is this life such a deep, dark mystery?

(instrumental interlude)

Time, how close am I to the journey's end?

Time, let me glimpse what I've yet to transcend.

What are you doing? Where are you taking me?

When will these shadowlands disappear?

Where is the One I love who waits for me?

Is it a distant realm, or are we near?

© 2020 David Acosta

The Glorious Light

The true Light who gives light to everyone

Has come to the world; come and see.
The Holy One whose love outshines the sun:
The true Light of heaven is he.

Lift up your hearts; fear not.
Love is dispelling the night.

Cast off your cares; look up.
Here comes the glorious Light.

The people who had walked in darkness deep

Have seen a magnificent light; 

The uneven ground and the mountains steep

Have leveled themselves at his sight.

Lift up your hearts; fear not.
Love is dispelling the night.

Cast off your cares; look up.
Here comes the glorious Light.

"Behold, I am doing something new;

Now it springs forth;

Do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness,

Rivers in the desert."

"Arise, shine, for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."

Lift up your hearts; fear not.
Love is dispelling the night.

Cast off your cares; look up.
Here comes the glorious Light.

Here comes the glorious Light:

Yeshua.

© 2020 David Acosta

Have Yourself a Nice Thick Slice of Fruitcake

(a parody of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," by David Acosta)

Have yourself a nice, thick slice of fruitcake.
Such a sweet delight!

Come on, try it;

You will savor every bite.

Take a chance now; don't reject my fruitcake.

Please don't run away.

Be a good sport;

Why would you suspect foul play?

Fillled with apples and sun-dried dates,

Lots of golden raisins—yum!

Cherries red and green soaked in rum!

And it's drenched in love! Have some.

Every year I'll give you some, I promise.

Hey, don't spit it out!!

Stop that retching and kvetching—settle down!

And have yourself another slice of fruitcake now.

© 2020 David Acosta

Frankincense, Friends, and Fruitcake

The tiny porcelain Magi underneath my Christmas tree
Were bearing treasures for the little child they longed to see.

One of them nodded, smiled at me--and then I watched him wink!

I thought, how can this be? I didn't know what to think.

I know you're sure I've lost my mind, for none of it makes sense.

But I was resting, meditating; and, in my defense,

The story came alive; oh my, and it was quite intense!

I found myself among them, holding frankincense!

~

My treetop seraph fluttered and began to sing a song:

"The Babe is born in Bethlehem, ye shepherds; run along."

The shepherds boarded my toy train, then ran quick as they could

Toward the stable and animals, all made of wood.

My spirit apprehended it; my doubtful mind refused.

You know, I must admit I really felt a bit confused.

What should one say or do when a treetop angel descends

And shouts, "Don't be afraid; you are now among friends!"?

~

The spellbound shepherds knelt before the infant Son of God,

Their L.E.D-lit eyes star-struck, their weightless spirits awed.

My toy train made its way around the tree again and stopped.

Santa fell from his sleigh! Twelve Christmas tree balls popped!

Just then, a choir of angels started belting out a hymn!

They danced upon the toy train--that's when my sight grew dim.

Was it a dream? It felt so real! I'm sure I was awake!

Oh, why did I have three helpings of rum-drenched fruitcake?

© 2020 David Acosta