Divine Alchemy

What precious metal now is being wrought?

This day when all is dark as pitch or coal

The truth of life, is this the prize yet sought

Or have long years eclipsed that human goal.

Cold irony so many should have died

Forsaking life, with faith in virtuous laws,

Forgive their folly that they ever tried

If unattained, abandoned be that cause

Yet deep within earth’s forge a new spark burns

Replacing ashen dreams with radiant hope

And kindling lifeless forms with souls that yearn

For alloys universal in their scope

With alchemy unequalled God unfolds

His will that turns dross lead to purest gold.

                        c. James P. West 2010  Wayward:Selected Poems