The Cupboard Mouse

What shall I do, O Lord?

   There is this restlessness

      gnawing in the stillness,

         which like a cupboard mouse

          grows quiet in the darkness

            whenever I draw near. 

"Tis a drawing with no end.

 

Beyond the reach of knowing

    this unrest moves and stirs,

      keeping me wondering

         what words You are saying

           that my heart cannot hear.

             Straining to hear helps not

on this side of the veil.

 

This deep inner stirring

    persists in the silence.

      Heard not and then again.

        Like the mouse, elusive,

          quick to come, quick to go

            and, I, always behind

knowing, but not knowing.

 

I can only wait, O Lord.

   You sent the restlessness

      that stirs the deep longing, 

        for whatever it is 

          beyond what I can hear.

             The Holy Wind whispers

the sound I strain to know.