GOD IS LOVE

My first encounter with religion 

I sat speechless on that wooden bench

In the third row seat of that old unpainted church 

In the sand hills of Guyana 

At age seven I would learn about heaven 

God and the Devil 

The consequences of right and wrong 

Praying to The Father and sing spiritual songs 

I felt the love of God 

Then in an instant the sermon 

Opened a door to fear 

With mixed emotions 

I scoot close to my mother 

Squeezing her hands as I learned about sin

I saw God as a giant of a man 

Sitting on a throne high above the clouds 

With a huge staff in his hand 

Serious as a hurricane 

Punishing everyone as the angel call your name 

A child deceived by ignorance of the truth 

As I learn of God's love in later years 

My life would bear good fruit 

Regardless of my life's experiences 

I continue to look above 

For I am convinced with all my heart 

That God is genuine love.

By

Wilford Barker.