The fire forked and resting
one hundred and twenty ways
inscribes our souls in flaming tongues
speaking languages we never knew
in words sharp with promise.

But what words are these that burn
like serrated swords of cherubim and seraphim?
With what voice do we shout
words that were from the beginning?
Words that are, and were, and shall be.

Words made flesh, these words
a belt, a shield, a blade. Weapons fit for battle,
flaming swords, mere words, we are forged this day.
Refined in fire, sharpened, shining,
brought to a point.

Lochlanina Tobey uses her degree in English composition from Messiah College as an excuse for writing and teaching poetry. Her most recent prize winning poem, The Finality of Rain appears on UtmostChristianWriters.com. In 2008 she trained with CLASServices, Inc. as a professional Christian speaker and feels blessed to minister as a leader and speaker at women’s retreats. Read Lochlania’s devotions.