BREAK THE BEAST, SET LOVE FREE

Inspired by Rabash, Article No. 42 (1991)

I fed the beast till my soul ran dry,

Gave him the earth, and he wanted the sky.

I offered him love, he demanded a price,

Turned every blessing to cold sacrifice.

He screamed for pleasure, he begged for more,

While truth stood bleeding outside my door.

I called myself righteous, I called myself wise,

While feeding a monster disguised in lies.

The ox knows its master, the donkey its feed,

But I chased the hunger of selfish need.

I wanted Your greatness displayed in the light,

But You gave me faith in the dead of the night.

I cursed the darkness, I cursed the fall,

Never once seeing Your love through it all.

For every descent that shattered my pride,

Was showing the beast I was keeping inside.

So break me of greed, but don't break my heart,

Tear every selfish intention apart.

Strip me of payment, of glory and fame,

Till nothing remains that demands in Your name.

I don't want heaven for serving You well,

Nor fear of punishment dragging me through hell.

I want to bestow when there's nothing to gain,

To love through the darkness, the silence, the pain.

And when my old nature comes begging for pay,

I'll tell that old bastard to get out of my way!

For truth is my compass, and love is my guide,

And faith is the strength when my reason has died.

I'll stand with my brothers, whatever may come,

Till ten beating hearts become beating as one.

No payment, no bargain, no selfish decree,

Just love for the others, and love setting me free.

So send me the darkness, I'll search for Your light,

Send me the struggle, I'll stay in the fight.

For even the fall can awaken my plea,

To give without taking—that's freedom to me!

And when I have nothing, no pleasure, no claim,

I'll still raise my heart and rejoice in Your name.

Not because You rewarded the suffering in me,

But because I can love without asking a fee.