In Ezra’s Time, a Reconciliation.

It is good that I am here
More than just a house of stone
Place of rest in Israel’s God
God of all the earth alone.
They had come from Persian lords
Pleased to worship as they might
Weeping as the chains were lost
Seventy years in exile’s night.
I had come from down the street
Passing oft’ this site of shame
Broken stones where once the Lord
Dwelt as children praised His name.
But I had no part in Him
Trapped in mire of heathen rites
Brutish as each child was slain
Basking in lascivious lights.
Something grabbed me, I confess
Gave me right thoughts of the Jew
Saw their heroes, heard their songs
Pulled me to the clean and true.
I have blood from other streams
But that does not bar the path
Share their worship, dream their dreams
Sheltered from Jehovah’s wrath.