Looking for a fight...

In the lion's mouth
2.10.06

The frozen sky has fallen deep,
Crystallizing over the possibilities.
Future beckons safety, promises security,
But her pockets are deceptively empty.

Wind howling, blood freezing in my veins,
Searching for something worth fighting,
A reason for dying.

Dark is the pit, unseen is the prowler,
Groaning and moaning waft up from the unknown,
A haunting melody, that awakens a cooling ember in my chest.

I hear your breathing though I can't see you.
I feel your hunger pressing on my skin,
Your saliva is watering the ground of our meeting.

I will descend into this crypt to wrench from the jaws of death,
A little more life worth living.

With each step closer I am more alive than if I dared to retreat.
My vision is clearing, each sound is magnified and every scent
familiar again.

I have passed from the living dead...through the womb of valor.

Benaiah...went down also and slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day.
-2 Samuel 23:20

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong, vigorous and very courageous.
Be not afraid, neither be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:9

I've got scars from such encounters, scars on the inside.
Jumping in pits, chasing lions, grabbing them by the beard.
Seeking to rescue lambs from predators devouring jaws.
I've seen the darkness of the pits that such predators dwell within.
I've felt frozen ground...inopportune circumstances for battle.
I've felt the vile breath of the lion on my face.
I've descended...and ascended again.
I've hunted for the lair of the devourer and entered.
I have found this promise to be true...He is with you wherever you go.
Even into lions dens.