Amidst the grave of existential plight
My faith in rags, uncertain sight
The queries loom, unanswered still
As I navigate this labyrinth of ill
Though misgivings abide
My denial reside
My heart in pain, a flicker of hope remains
Throughout the night, throughout the fire
I will not change, I’ll be your silent guide
Patience, come to my side
Come be patient, come to my side
Patience, my guiding light
As I wander the uncertain night
Throughout the night I will not change
I’ll be your guide
Fervor lost, my heart bereft
In the blustering of doubt and despair
I’ve lost my grasp on what was just
Yet a glimmer of deliverance is here
Though misgivings abide
My denial reside
Though my path may waver, and I may stray
Love and community, will lead the way
In the embrace of compassion, I shall find peace
Hope and unity, shall never cease
–Extol, “Labyrinth of Ill”–

—

Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: he hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. –Proverbs 7:18-21 (KJV)

“Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. –Proverbs 7:18-21 (NIV)

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? –1 Corinthians 9:5 (KJV)