Cut loose, I float in ephemeral atmosphere,
neither in the now or the sweet not yet,
belonging nowhere -
they would say, "No, just anywhere but here."

Hands that loved to serve my Lord swollen from beatings
by those who have chased me away because
of a past I don't
understand; pain evident on my face.

I bear the mark of my savior, live in his love;
see also these holes shot through by those
who have stripped me of
faithful fellowship, grace, community.

I cannot seem to rise above it all; neither
will I be squashed beneath a tyranny
wrapped in the false guise
of just correction or church discipline.

Instead, I am right here where you can see me if
you choose, beyond reach of human love, grace,
bearing these twin marks
of faith and rejection of the faithful.