The Hollow of the Wood

I wrote this poem, while watching this video of one of the students who attends the youth ministry I direct. The style of artistry this kid uses touches my heart. Another young friend sent me a text with this scripture this week. The combination inspired the words I wrote.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Hollow of the Wood
by: Elisa Parmer

Listening to the mellow beats and strums
Plucks and slaps, rhythm attacks.
The tings and pings picking high notes from strings
And it’s as if I know you more.
Things are a little clearer than before
And I remember how you make things beautiful.

At times I lose sight of you.
The lights get dimmer and I find my hands stretching out
In hopes to touch your face.
In this place
I will have troubles.
You promise me that.
And I’m feelin those  growing pains,
The hurts and the shame, Lord it’s starting to drain
The life out of me.

This isn’t the kind of promise I was hoping you’d make good on.
Just feels like a lot of weight to put on
These days,
In ways
That I didn’t see coming.
But then this kid starts strumming .
Energy’s humming, palms and thumbs drumming
Echoed in the hollow of the wood.

It’s as if a melody is starting to arise
And then pangs of high notes remind me to look up.
It’s an August Rush
Of emotion.
With sounds of the world coming together making sweet music.
Then my mind starts to fuse it
With the Gospel. That while the world seems hostile,
These pangs remind me that you overcame, are overcoming, and will overcome.
According to some,
This life is hopeless
Because we don’t know how to cope stress
Heal wounds,
but soon
I am going to meet you.
Weird, that a boy flicking the body of guitar,
Reminds me that we have already met.