Imago Dei

Imago Dei

Daniel Stanley

Waking from the kind of limp-limbed sleep
Which admits no ague of lingering age,
With a cry that sunders sleeping and light
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day.

First cup of coffee and spill-proof-cup juice
Separated by the expanse of his childhood
He tips it right back while I breathe in the steam
And behold, it was good, it was heavenly good.

Possessed by a spirit of get-up-and-go
He spills dog bowl water onto the floor
Then the channels of the sea were seen,
And the foundations of the world were laid bare.

Captivated by the heavenly lights
As since the birth of signs and times
He flips the switch, then flip. flip. flip.
Ruling the rulers’ echoed shine.

Bath time is greeted like an old companion
Like Triton he summons his toys to attend
Leviathan, which you formed to play in it
Tears freely flow at sea-journey’s end.

Evening is spent on the carpeted land
Subduing the beasts licking faces with joy
Where snuggle and wrestle become synonyms
We see not the man, but image-made boy.

In cuddly dependence, fellowship sweet
Work done and play done, hands curled on his chest
Sovereign enthronement echoed through sleep
Finally (Finally!) he goes to his rest.

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Daniel Stanley
Poet & Pastor

Daniel has been published by Theopolis Institute as well as the Heritage Blog. He is the director of the School of Discipleship and pastor of Providence Reformed Church in Union City, PA.

Photography by Nellie Adamyan