The Third Movement of Genesis

By Emma McCoy

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I have become a covenant, beautiful and new.
I will walk faithfully, like the blameless
and God said “I will make nations out of you.”

I looked at the stars, the ones I thought I knew
and whispered “I will no longer be aimless”
for I have become a covenant, beautiful and new.

I swallowed my fear in the lands I passed through
and whispered “I will not be left nameless”
and God said “I will make nations out of you.”

God gave me a son; it was something like a preview
of His love. Our laughter was shameless
because we have become a covenant, beautiful and new.

I held nothing back. In my obedience I brought my joy to
the LORD even when it would leave me claimless
and He said “I will make nations out of you.”

In my old age there are things I know are true:
My God is faithful and changeless;
I have become a covenant, beautiful and new
and God said “I will make nations out of you.”

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Emma McCoy is a literature student at Point Loma Nazarene University, California. Much of her poetry explores biblical narratives through re-imagination, closed forms and a close look at the structures and imagery of the original stories. When she's not writing, she spends her time outdoors chasing the downhill -- either skiing or mountain-biking.