The Leather Bound Book 07/24/2009

I look up just to see
A deep; dark sky
I wonder how this could be
Could someone tell me why?

Why are people so cold
They stare with such disdain
Is it because I'm old?
Or just so plain?

I know I'm a bit grungy
But what can I really do?
I wish I weren't so hungry
Everyday, it's what I go through

I wish to see the sun shine
Just for one day
Something to call mine
That wasn't so gray

If people are so disgusted with me
Why can't they lend a helping hand?
But of course, nothing in life is free
Might as well bury me in the sand

I hate feeling sorry for myself
So I figure at least I'm not dead
My worries keep stacking on the shelf
And filling my heart with dread

Is there anything out there
That can turn this life around?
I look to the sky and stare
Then slowly turn my gaze to the ground

I try to fight back the tears
What did I do to deserve this?!
I think back on so many years
All the times I would hit and miss

I've seen a lot of sorrow in my time
But none that I can compare to what I feel inside
I lived a simple life and committed no crime
Although I have cheated and lied

We've all done things that we regret
But who know things could get so bad?
It started out as just a little bet
Where it went from there; I must've been mad!

First a five; and then a ten
Then the car; then the house!
All lost to some guy named Glenn!
Just a few hands to turn a man into a mouse

If I could, I'd take it all back
My wife left me after that
It was self - control I happened to lack
Man I miss you Nat.

I guess I really did screw up
I would've left me too
I always wanted to live in Europe
They had the best brew

Nat said it was too dirty
"You hardly notice after a few drinks", I'd say
She would then proceed to glare at me
But yet still in a loving way

I'd do anything to get that back
All I have left is my past
Please, someone, help me get on the right track
Anything to get off this dry, brown grass

It was then I looked up to see
A man passing out these leather bound books
Those couldn't possibly be free
These things are always stringed with hooks

Yet against my better judgment
I got up to take a look
I must say it was time well spent
I got myself a leather bound book

I sat down with this in my hand
Inspecting the cover carefully
I wonder if it's a special brand
the title was engraved skillfully

"The Holy Bible", is what it said
I wonder what that could mean?
I open it slowly, with hands of lead
It was like having my eyes glued to the screen

Once I started; I couldn't stop
I read it from cover to cover
At times, the book, I would almost drop
The truth of life I began to uncover

I finished and looked to the sky
If you do exist, then please help me
Please, allow me another try
And I promise to forever follow thee

At that moment I heard a voice
An echo in my head that told me to walk
I didn't see any better choice
I walked down to the next block

There I found a homeless shelter
He had provided me a home and food
things had definitely gotten better than they were
Something very good inside me he brewed

The first time in a long time
I could actually smile
I had lived a life of a sinners crime
But yet You loved me all the while

I was soon nursed back to health
And was one day given proper clothing
When you have Him, you don't need wealth
Thus comes an end to all my loathing

So I set out to find a job
I applied for a career in logging
The boss was a nice guy named Rob
But he warned me that he wouldn't tolerate any dogging

I worked hard for three years straight
And saved enough money to buy myself a home
Many times I had to work late
But I soon also got a car and a phone

I had all I had lost
And was eternally grateful
My gambling habits I had tossed
And could never again be hateful

But yet still, I have one thing missing
Nat, I could never be whole without you
But how could I ask of You this thing
After all for me, You already do?

So I live on day by day
Hoping, praying I see her again
Wishing she would come back to stay
It stings, this lingering pain

Then one day, without my asking
He brings her into my life again
I share with her He who is long lasting
And how with Him you can only gain

Together now we grow in Him
Just simply believing is all it took
He has filled us both to the rim
And it is all thanks to The Leather Bound Book

Bradly Marshall