Captive Reason- the Holy Sonnet

I stretch my toes out -straining arches to cover the expanse of blue water...but like Peter I am wet-slapped in the face again by what I see- by dissatisfactions large and small- disgruntled in time and space, sick at heart and disappointed with what is only natural in me. Each time, before I start to sink- let me remember to look at You. Teach my heart what my mind knows... let me have eyes only for YOU. My reason knows and understands help my heart not to be left behind...to serve You for the love of You and for the joy of it.

Like John D., I pray, "Make me satisfied with Yourself."

Holy Sonnet XIV

"Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you
As yet but knock, breath, shine and seek to mend; (don't be polite)
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn and make me new
I, like a usurped town, to another due,
Labour to admit you, but Oh, to no end,
Reason your viceroy in me should defend,
But it is captived, and proves weak or untrue
Yet dearly I love you and would be loved fain,
But am betrothed unto your enemy;
Divorce me, untie or break that knot (to your enemy) again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I
Except you enthral me never shall be free,
Nor ever chasete, except you ravish me!

John Donne-(1572-1631)


Oh, God- give me an undivided heart!