These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Bottom of the Deep

The typhoon caused the crew's retreat,
that down and down the metal "fish"
could not but seek the deepest deep,
'til three days passed fresh air could wish.

The sailor spent these days in grief
for disobeying God's command.
This Jonah running as a thief
was stopped in darkness 'way from land.

Before the elements of peace
restored the sub to waves, again,
his will could only find release,
confessing to The Lord his sin.

"Dear Lord, I'll preach and tell the Truth
when I am done with duty's tour.
I've known Salvation from my youth.
Please, make my motives always pure."

The sailor served his many days.
The Navy discharged him with grace.
The Lord he served and fixed his gaze.
At last at Home he knew his place.

A faithful servant to his land,
a faithful servant to his Lord,
redeemed before His Throne to stand,
proclaiming ever just His Word.

His Earthsuit tucked within the ground.
So many years 'neath slab of praise.
In honored service, he was bound
to God and country his best days.

May we, like Dad, give all we are
to bless the souls in our own world.
Our influence may ripple far
until our lives be flags unfurled.

Line Count: 32

by Jay O’Toole
on January 17th, 2024