Admiring the Swine

What I thought would bring a life of satisfaction

Was in truth just a lifeless distraction

One holy ounce of prevention

Sharpened my focus, held my deepest attention

Kept me looking for the ageless truth

That lay beyond the attractions of my youth

My steps were like a drunkard’s dance

The aimless stumbling, aimed at humbling

This wandering prodigal was not by chance

From lavish pleasures and the sweetest wine

I left the table

And admired the swine

All this misery, the pain I caused

Could have been avoided - but it was not

Some of us only finally learn

When we’ve gone the distance and stop to turn

His hand to guide us home again

Surprised how near he’s always been

Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your

pearls before swine, lest they trample them under

their feet, and turn and tear you into pieces. (Matthew 7:6)