The
Story
Referred to as the strokes of an artist’s brush, First Vespers is both inspirational and moving. It is an attempt to tell God’s story in a remarkable way. First Vespers underscores the story, the meaning, and the focus of God’s intent in poetic verse. Reflecting no denomination or dogma, it is an answering to a Call by God, It is my devotional work of love. It is a collection of Poet’s Prayers.
An
Excerpt
"Imagine Knowing"
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Imagine knowing and still going.
Betrayed, but never swayed,
Prayers of agony at Gethsemane.
Alone but for an angel that day,
His disciples slept a stone's cast away.
His sweat fell like drops of blood.
Tears mingled in the mud.
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Broken capillaries, hope and charity,
Sweet lamb to save the damned.
To make all things new.
To be king of the Jews.
His crown made of thorns.
His scalp ripped and torn.
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Imagine knowing and still going.
Braided thongs to cure all wrongs.
Lacerations, bruises, and contusions.
Whipping sharp bones tearing flesh
And flogging metal balls to do the rest.
His skin so sensitive to the touch,
He must have loved us so much.
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Shredded muscles and bones exposed,
He drug His tree to Calvary.
His steps in staggers.
His pain in daggers.
Kidneys failing, fainting, falling,
My sweet Lord crawling.
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Imagine knowing and still going.
His wrists impaled by Roman nail.
Savage. crushing nerve damage.
Outstretched arms were weighted,
His shoulders popped and dislocated.
Crossbar affixed and crucifix complete,
They drove a nail through His feet.
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Respiratory distress, near cardiac arrest.
Asphyxiated, dehydrated, and faded.
Pushing from feet that were nailed
For each labored breath He exhaled.
His pulse weak and diminished,
He whispered, "It is finished."
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If you’ve ever sat outside, after supper as the sun goes down, and you’ve heard the church bells ring in the distance, you’ve heard First Vespers. Described as poignant and atmospheric, David Burdick‘s poems brush past the veil, sometimes introduced by organized religion and ritual to offer a fresh vision of Christ, the beautiful Savior. First Vespers is an original collection of inspirational poetry that is true to God‘s word, nondenominational, and filled with light and hope. Lavished throughout are photos of classic works of art, as well as original colorization of ancient Bible illustrations.
Deep River Books of Sisters, Oregon