Blowin’ in the Wind

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
`My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!’
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away”.

- “Ozymandias” by Percy Shelley

I always come back to poetry when I want to hear words express something that prose can’t always capture. This poem has always been one of my favorites and, especially in light of all the turmoil in the Middle East and in the Midwest, it makes me reconsider my heart and thoughts about power, influence and why I do the things I do.

Realistically, everything we do will eventually be forgotten. All the achievements, advancements, awards and accolades, all the good deeds, warm smiles and striving for justice will all disappear. They will die with us and with everybody who knew us. In 100 years, who will remember what you or I accomplished?

But the God’s word stands the test of time. From generation to generation, it’s not been about the things we accomplish for Him that last, but that He lasts. His words stay. He never changes, never moves. The great eternal I AM.

My joy should be to live for Him, the true King of Kings. That though I falter and fail, I remember it’s not my work and will that lasts, but His. And the sand and desert, time and rot, will never swallow up His kingdom.

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
-Ecclesiastes 12:13

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