Testify

By Laura Arendt

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Testify--
          I will testify--
How I wonder with a humbleness, 
on my knees,
And an outspoken pride that I can't shake from the bottom of my feet.
Even the Divine has left me to my own will--
so it will be done.

Testify--
          I will testify--
I am my own witness to the shadow that crackles by the fire. 
It replies with cackles…
          Empty, 
                     soulless cackles.

So I say once more
Testify--
          I will testify--

I am my own witness from birth to death.
I know the shackles that bind my heart. 
I know what mocks.
I know the scoffer hiding in the corner better than anyone.
 I wait and listen with deep intent
 for just a crumb of acknowledgement.

Testify-- 
          I will testify--

Oh my hope is engraved with lies
          And sealed with broken promises.

So amazing grace come meet me.
          Sweet amazing grace come swiftly.
                    For I have been standing on prideful feet 
                              And bending on broken humble knees. 
My testimony is stale. 

          Stagnant. 

So amazing grace take my crown. 
Move me from this Queendom I've built as an escape. 
Lead me to my true witness. 

Testify--
          Oh my soul-- 
                    I will testify.

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Laura Arendt is a theopoet who became more intentional about her writing while earning her Masters of Divinity at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, IN (USA). She grew up in Gettysburg, PA, but now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she enjoys living with her beloved life partner, John.