From Darkness to Light

 Only by darkness

does a man know his place.

Only by absence

does he search for the Face.

One time he feels

the Creator works on him.

One time he feels

his own strength is not dim.

But both states come

from the root above,

to teach him the path

to prayer and love.

When darkness falls

it is not for despair.

It is a doorway,

a call to prepare.

Lowliness above reason

is not defeat,

it is walking with faith

when nothing feels sweet.

When the Creator is felt,

it is not because man won.

It is because the Creator

decided to shine like the sun.

And through the dark

man learns to see

that every approach

begins from He.

Ascents and descents,

this is how we walk.

Through broken feeling,

through prayerful talk.

The vessels need Hassadim,

mercy and grace,

so the heart can endure

every changing place.

Only from darkness

can love-sick rise,

when all feels lost

before the eyes.

Then from the depth,

if the cry is true,

help comes from the Creator

to carry him through.

So every moment

renew the thread.

Turn to the Creator

in all that lies ahead.

Look at each state,

each burden, each need,

and ask for His help

in thought, word, and deed.