Day 30--National Poetry Month--ABAB Poem--War of Darkness and Light

This is the last poem of the month. It's been interesting learning new forms. I hope some of these are more than rubbish. I also appreciate those who actually read them and would welcome new subscribers to the blog. I'll be working on doing a better job of keeping current--more like the first few years. For one last trip to Stephanie's site, go here. Anyway, here's an ABAB poem:

WAR OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT

The Dark Adversary, he smirks in glee

As he throws a pall over the land

"They'll never know why they feel closer to me

When greed, envy, and selfishness stand."

He uses discouragement, vane pride, and hate

To shackle the Father's offspring

For he wants misery to mark all and make late

The hosts of the Heavenly King

I lift lantern and search for a possible guard
To stand at my side and fight
Who'll keep their chin up though the going is hard
And won't quail at Satan's dread might. 

Get loose from your chains of ennui and self doubt

Let Christ's words in your fainting hearts sing

Look to your quarry, be strong, give a shout

And follow your Commander, your King. 

Let us march to the battle, both steady and true
With our hearts and our minds knit with love
Bringing our kin, with hard work imbued
A place at Christ's side, our great trove.
 

I stand at your shoulder, shiv'ring with dread

I've seen our host scanty at most

So easy t'would be, to let fear fill my head

I can't flee and abandon my post

We're girded, arrayed at the battle's fore

Our talents and skill sets to hand

Our armor intact as we open the door 

It's shoulder to shoulder we stand 

So we lock in our shields, help those at our side
To remember the God at our front
To recall the bright home where our Parents abide
For God will we gratefully hunt.

 If you shine a great light o'er the enemy's camp  

He can do naught but cower and flee

He can't withstand the bright light of your lamp

Once you lift up your head and break free

Come join this dread fight tho we tremble with flaws

Though we've mistakes too many to number

Let us wake and come forth and remember the laws

No longer in darkness to slumber 

Until at the end we kneel bloody but free

There at the feet of our King

He lifts us to stand, and He clasps us gently

"Well done, faithful servant," He'll sing.   

©2019 by H. Linn Murphy