The Old Bible Poem by Roy Davenport

From its’ outward appearance you would guess
That his old Bible had outlived its’ usefulness.
The pages, cracked and yellowed, were brittle
Like winter leaves dancing to an icy fiddle.

But outward appearances can often be deceiving.
And recorded on every page by someone believing
that life has a higher purpose and deeper meaning
are truths scribbled in margins, ready for gleaning.

The scribblings tell of his rejection of meaningless ritual
and material gain at the cost of life more spiritual.
Often his notes were prayers written out of desperation
when life seemed more perspiration than inspiration.

So I read the old Bible, hoping to find the same meaning
that shaped his life and revealed the Father’s love redeeming.
Other books shaped his thinking and broadened his mind.
But the old Bible, more than a book, was his window to God’s mind.

RDavenport 2007 ©