That They Might Live

It's all I want Oh, that they might live These men around me Behind these prison walls Really live, not just exist Risen from the shattered dreams Beaming with lovedness Unshackled in joy Singing without shame Thankful and generous Lost boys found Dead to all division Delighted in new horizons Cheerful and supportive Hope renewed Gentle eyes sparkle Heavy shoulders relax Tired hands settle Yokefellows bind one to another Teams of righteousness Fitted tools for harvest Life in the making Glory yet to see Lovely, fruitful wives Joyful beaming little ones Dinner tables filled with simplicity Kept homes and 'honey do's' Relatives for the holidays "Sour mash and new moonshine Down on the copperline" Good wine and the perfect aria And most of all Your delicious presence Oh, Father, let it be That these men would know Life Fill them with hope and promise Open heaven's storehouses for them Shower down all your best An bring them into the land -Stephen Pursell, 11/13/02