For when tragedy strikes, you
wonder where is God?
OH
GOD! NOT AGAIN
By Frank E. Henrich Jr. August 27, 1979
Read this poem three times. Ponder awhile after each reading for a gain of patience and solace.
I look across the street
and see a tree;
tired bent and with age
and with a weary look.
Not beautiful,
in
the sense of being symmetrical,
with graceful lines,
of an artist’s brush.
But
then this tree
is not artificial;
but lives a life
that is real.
Oh God! Must we go through this again?
Must my
life be like that tree,
that stands across the road,
bent and ill shaped.
Oh
God, must I go through this again?
When it is not I,
that the main lesson
is being taught to.
Oh God!! Must I go through this again?
When the end result,
is so plain and
clear;
I can see it ahead.
Oh God! Must I go through this again?
that I must
treat others
as if they were kids,
yet
to learn a lesson.
Oh God!
Must I go through this again?
Be dragged around,
mocked and criticized,
in all, that they may learn.
Oh God! Would you be saying to me?
that a tree graceful in line and limb,
would not
represent,
a life in You!
Oh God! Would you be saying to me?
That I must
suffer with my brother;
as he learns the lesson
You would teach him.
Oh
God! Are you trying to tell me?
that sometimes it is necessary
to tear down,
to build a stronger branch.
Oh God! Then teach me the lesson,
teach me this patience,
but always stay
close to me.
Oh
God! Teach me
that it is more important
that a brother learn,
than an institution be built.
Oh God! Teach me
that not in my strength,
do I stand,
uphold me with your willing Spirit.
If I must look like
the old battered tree,
If that is what has radiance,
in Your eyes
Then Oh God!
let
it be
my appearance
before Thee.
Authors comment: So our lives must be like an old battered
tree, but we can lift our bodies up to hope. We can be restored in mind and spirit.