unspeakable joy ... a poem

unspeakable joy 

when i can't sit still
and my hands begin to wave
my arms start to flail

my right foot stomps the church floor

that's unspeakable joy

the pounding from the floor

echos the pounding in my chest

I've been standing for an hour

but my legs won't stop shaking

the energy of unspeakable joy

i lift my left hand to the steeple

point my index finger to the heavens

tears blur my vision

leaving streaks on my cheeks 

trails of unspeakable joy

when I do lift my voice

it's more like a wail
a cry out to God

a moaning sacrifice of self

sounds of unspeakable joy

words can't tell it

songs can't sing it

stories can't share it

but you can see it

in the trembling lips

the rosy nose

the stained cheeks
the watery eyes

the furrowed brow

the sweat-shiny hairline

that's unspeakable joy

~cdw~
11/03/13