Beloved

This poem is very close to my heart. It is partly the result of my contemplation of Edmund Blair Leighton’s painting, The King and the Beggar-Maid, and partly the result of a spontaneous, late-night prayer. Though the painting depicts characters from a 16th century ballad, it always made me think of of something far more powerful.

~ ❦ ~

Here I stand amid your splendor,
I, the sinner, the offender.

Lord, I should not be before you.
I’m unworthy, Lord, to serve you,
Undeserving to behold you.

Oh, my King! Pray, do not kneel! 
Who am I that you appeal,
Voice and face so full of zeal?

Yet I must obey you, Sire,
Try to do as you desire,
But in your eyes — what is this fire?

Joy and fear have run me through —
Master, how can this be true?
Am I really loved by you?

You nod, and I forget my shame.
Nothing, nothing is the same.
Your love: an all-consuming flame.

Here I stand amid your glory,
Worthy, Lord, because you love me.

~ ❦ ~

Note: Fellow author Nicole Koehn also wrote a piece inspired by one of Leighton’s paintings! We were both participating in a writing challenge from a mutual friend. Her short story, “In Time of Peril,” is set in medieval Wales, and is excellent. You can read it here.