I.
It is appointed for me once to die, Then dust shall claim its ancient right.
Before the throne where truth burns bright I shall stand uncloaked by night.
Because I sinned, I mark my brow with ash, Earth confessing earth’s decay.
I strike my breast, I turn, I weep, I cast my fractured will away.
Have mercy, God of wounded love. Undo what I have done.
Unmake the ruin of my pride.
Let death in me be overcome.
Hail Mary, full of grace, Stand beside me when I fall.
Pray for me in fleeting breath, Now, and at death’s final call. II.
Then I heard a trembling in the deep, A stirring underneath the grave.
Bone found bone in rattling hope, Answering a summons strong to save.
Sinew knit and flesh arose, Skin stretched over a silent frame.
They stood, an army without breath, Waiting for the holy flame.
And the Voice that split the ancient dark Commanded, “Speak unto the wind.”
So I cried, “Come, O breath of God, Awaken what has always been.”
Four winds answered. Heaven moved.
Ruach thundered through the slain.
Dust remembered Eden’s dawn, And lungs were filled again.
“I will open every grave.
I will call My children home.
From shattered earth to promised light, No more shall death enthrone.”
And angels loosed a mighty cry, Glory breaking like the sun.
What was buried rose in fire.
What was finished was begun.
III.
I have walked within Yosemite’s valley, Granite cathedrals crowned with light, Where waterfalls preach endless praise And dawn dissolves the night.
In the cool of breath and cedar wind I sought You in the hush of stone.
The still, small Voice became my fire.
I was never there alone.
Your Spirit clothed my fleeting days With mercy vast and wild.
My eyes beheld Your blazing hand In mountain, mist, and child.
Creation bends in reverent awe.
The rivers chant Your name.
I tremble, Lord of earth and stars, Before Your holy flame.
IV.
I am not worthy, Lord of Life.
Not worthy of the Most High King.
Yet You have marked this dust with love And taught my dying heart to sing.
From ash You call.
From the grave, You raise.
From judgment, You redeem.
And in the shadow of the cross You are my breath, My resurrection, My eternal King.