The Game

It's strange – a sort of "Disconnect" is taking place in me,
A bit like just not caring – it's not – but what I see –
Perhaps three years, or maybe two from some crop I've put in,
A disconnect profound in me – to what the future brings.

I cannot say what will transpire, more I don't really care;
Like struggling up a hill so long you stop right then and there,
And a look around, enjoy the view, and quit – for what's the use?
It's just a game that people play, for which there's no excuse.

They win – okay, if that's what makes your life feel good to you;
Ironically, you do not care – just something you all do –
Get all you can, can all you get, sit on the lid and then,
Destroy all else which round you lies – this culture's type of sin.

"No harm was meant (as personal) it's just the way we live –
It's zero-sum – if you get yours, life has no more to give;
So I must stop you in your tracks if I'm to win at life;
If you, my friend, get up your hill – well, that's your way in strife.

I wonder what life would be like if each one helped the next?
Instead of caring for ourselves, we saw our neighbour blessed.
What if, instead of money's game we laughed, enjoyed, and played –
Would life on earth be better then, and evil’s ways be stayed?

Christ said, "Be like the lilies, man; like birds – don't fuss and fret;
No one exceeds their bright array despite how much they get;
Don't sweat tomorrow, live today, it ends for all, too soon;
Kick back, enjoy, let others stew; for all on earth there's room.

"So laugh, not at, but with them, guys, play God – that's how He lives;
He lets you choose how you will act, it's freedom which He gives;
You get to choose the life you lead – been that way since the first,
'Cause in the end you all will die – 'till then you'll hunger, thirst –

"For righteousness or private gain, whichever turns your crank;
You work for one another and your boss your chain will yank;
That doesn't change for anyone – for Christian, Muslim, Jew –
But if you want a better life, here's something you can do:

"Give up pretence you know your way, that somehow you will win;
Reach out your hand, place it in Mine – then life you'll then begin;
Die now to stupid ways you've lived, be born to life anew;
Then dying's in the past, it's done, eternal life's for you.

"Instead of chasing private gain (or social – it's the same),
Turn hunger, thirst to other things and thus connect your train
To things which last, like quality, and meaning, hope, and love,
A place for all within your sphere – on earth like up above.

Instead of working for some bloke, work for his good instead;
Make God your boss, your hand in His, through every day be led;
He will not chide or snuff you out but help you in His way;
And when your days run out at last, you'll then have this to say:

"I was not ever thus, I know, but it's a better road –
I've struggled with so much in life, and born a heavy load;
But here's the thing – much richer now I am this chosen way,
Than I'd have been if I'd kept on that road until this day."

It's fifty years and three since He spoke words like that to me;
Each year it's more profound become, though less my road I see.
So simple that, a quiet "Hi", that's how it started out;
Brought peace into my heart that day, and changed for me my route.

And so this disconnect's not new – just more – another round;
A disconnect from silly things which now my life surrounds;
"Let go of sin and all those things which cling to us each day"
Paul said, and that's just how it feels, so this is what I say:

To heck with all those silly things which clatter up my life,
I've got a job to do this day, a journey with my wife;
Two kids with kin now on their ways; community; and friends;
Who cares about that other stuff which goes when living ends?

I've one more task to do in life before I pass along;
It's time to leave this cul-de-sac and go another round;
It's funny how it's just dissolved, attachments to that stuff –
Freed up at last to move along, content with His "enough".

I think what's gone – the need to hide, or feint, or dodge, or duck;
My family-task is finished now – it's forty years since luck,
Or grace, or skill – whatever – saved my wife from certain death,
First Christmas in the north when she just missed that bush-plane wreck.

That's when we chose the family way, and started having kids;
Which meant I had to factor them in choices here amidst
This culture strange, where we have lived for over sixty years;
But now that's done, and they are off, as I engage the gears –

I pop the clutch, apply the gas, no more the brakes apply;
There's one more thing which must be done before the day I die;
So "Disconnect" describes what's now transpired within my soul;
Freed up, it's like a football game – third down, and goal to go.

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