Free Verse on the Book of Jonah

Tempestuous seas,

Waves crashing over my head;

Tossing and turning,

I feel myself being swallowed

by the jaws of guilt.

God’s love comes down

In the storm

Shifting the winds to

Overcome me

My unwillingness to let God Be

the God of compassion . . . to

Let God rain down the mercy

Upon those I have judged unworthy.

I am Jonah.

I ran. I still run.

I sit in stubborn silence,

I will not pray.

I avoid the storms. Ignorance. Not dealing, unfeeling.

Closing my eyes to the storm. 

Plugging my ears to the thunder.

My will to control

is stronger than my faith.

You, Lord, are relentless.

You will set me on dry land.

I will never leave your sight.

Who am I to even think so?

©2021 Raelyn Pracht