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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Fragrance (10/24/05)
In the glow of soft moonlight, streaming through linen curtains, he draws near to my bedside. It is the midnight hour and I lie sleeping. As my head is filled with dreams, he watches me, yearning to arouse me from my slumber and consummate our love.

I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

His voice washes over my soul like gentle waters. A contented smile embraces my lips as I rest securely in the warmth of his love. He is mine and I am his. He calls me to rise, for intimacy awaits us. I stir against the pricks of my awakened heart as the ease of slumber fights for my affections.

I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

Lulled by excuses, I take his summons lightly. Choosing comfort, I reject him. My head remains nestled in my pillow as I drift back to sleep.

My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.

Reaching his hand through the door of my heart, he crushes the hardened myrrh within. The anointing oil of sorrow and shame saturates my spirit; I ache with every drop. Eyes heavy with the quest of self are opened. I am infinitely unworthy of him, denying his call for the fleeting pleasures of lesser things.

I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him: I called him, but he gave me no answer.

Spurned, the one who gave everything to hold me as his own has withdrawn himself. I am sick with grief over love forsaken. The crushed myrrh of my suffering heart flows from every fingertip. Why do I slumber when it is time to rise? The sweet-smelling fragrance of bitter conviction ascends to heavenly places.

Pleased with the aroma of broken-hearted sacrifice, my beloved hastens his return.


*All italicized Scripture is taken from Song of Solomon 5:2-6 (KJV).
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This article has been read 1777 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Debbie OConnor
10/31/05
Beautifully written. Song of Solomon is one of my favorite books of the Bible. The theme is symbolic of our salvation- love's call, sin-rejection, salvation-repentance, sanctification-consummation. It is also a moment by moment life story. We are secure in His love, but we should always be ready to receive Him when He calls.
Jan Ackerson
11/01/05
This line is sheer perfection: Reaching his hand through the door of my heart, he crushes the hardened myrrh within. This piece is wonderful!
Sally Hanan
11/01/05
Nicely written. I have to wonder about the translation you are using though... "my bowels were moved for him :)
Linda Watson Owen
11/02/05
Yes, a beautiful piece.
Amy Michelle Wiley 
11/02/05
Beautifully written with a timely message. :-)
Val Clark
11/03/05
Yes, beautifully written and oh, so true. Praise God for your fruitful imagination. yeggy
Karen Ward
11/04/05
Descriptive and lyrical, great title too.
:) Karen
B Brenton
11/04/05
Nice feeling there. And my heart stops from reading. I need to refuel.
Laurie Glass 
11/04/05
What a beautifully written message of truth. I could just "feel" your words as I read them.
Garnet Miller 
11/04/05
What a wonderful story of life and love. Way to go!:)
Julianne Jones
11/05/05
Loved the interplay of the physical and spiritual levels. Agree with Sally's comment about the translation you chose - one line in particular inspired 'myrrth'. Well done.
Shari Armstrong 
11/05/05
Very nicely done -
Suzanne R
11/07/05
I identify so strongly with this piece ... and even more so, being 'Suzanne', meaning 'Lily of the Valley, Rose of Sharon'. Unfortunately, also one who struggles to get out of bed to spend time with her beloved. You've written beautifully, your ability with words is like a work of art, and I really really really love this piece.
Deborah Porter 
11/07/05
Crista, as always, this was excellent. You were right up there in the high places as far as rankings go - placing 14th overall (out of 145 entries). Well done! With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)