Pearl

Today let me only hear 

As generations before heard 

Let the sound of truth 

do its work in me

 A seed planted 

Small like a grain of mustard or sand. 

Take away my pen 

and books 

and so many words 

Let me rest in the hollow 

of ancient hands. 

Scrape off the salty crust 

of the confident understanding of others

Pluck the beard of tradition 

Pry open my selfish shell 

Plunge the knife of truth into 

The fleshy heart of me. 

Procure the pearl of great price 

Polished opalescent 

Shining white 

Lacquered layers of time 

Surrounding the crux 

Of Your truth. 

And set it in the simple pure ring 

Of your love.