Lay Me Down In Peace

Psalms 4:7-8

7.      Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

8.      I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

When eyes close, and breathing slows,

and relaxation spreads through every limb,

sights disappear and sound silences,

wrapped in sleep, I lay me down.

The world beyond my skin is naught, there is only the air I breathe in and out...

What trust to fall into this nothingness, my hands opened, my tongue still,

I give all of myself over, abandon will, suspend doubt and care.

The light of my mind flickers, dimmed down to the lowest flame,

upon images of colors, shapes and textures that cling like droplets,

lingering reverberations, high and low in residue of day passed through;

My heart alone sees and hears, then burns them away

to the ultimate depth of solitude,

home in the sacred abode of my keeper...

Cocooned in darkness, stillness, quiet deep,

I wait for nothing, hope for nothing, do nothing

but surrender to the greater will

as a sigh

surrenders

to joy.