Hollow Echos

Beneath the sky of fractured light,

I whispered their names, they vanished from sight.

A hollow echo, the silence remained,

How can I grieve what my heart can't explain?

(They'll turn, they'll see, they'll come back, I cry,)

But their hearts are stone, their faith run dry.

An ache of twilight, a fading embrace,

Still, I wait at the gate for a glimpse of their face.

I screamed to Heaven—Lord, lift their veil!

Let mercy bleed through where reason fails.

Oh, they're lost to the chasm's roar,

And my knees have been bruised on this prayer-worn floor.

If only they'd call on the Lamb once slain,

But the chains they cherish pull them to flame.

Why does the deceiver wear their smile?

Why did the liar steal what was mine?

Take my hands, O God, take this breath—

Let my soul trade places and suffer their death.

I wrestle angels and shatter my bones,

At the throne, my rage is a thunderous moan.

For the ones I love—so blind, so near—

I hurl my heart through the gates of despair.

Oh, can you hear me, my friend, my blood?

Won't you turn before the coming flood?

The door stands open; His mercy still calls,

But pride's cruel whispers will lead to the fall.

Let the stones in your chest turn to flesh again,

The Savior waits—please don't die in your sin!

He bore the nails, He drank the cup,

Repent! Arise! The grave won't hold us up.

Oh, they're lost to the chasm's roar,

And my knees have been bruised on this prayer-worn floor.

If only they'd call on the Lamb once slain,

But the chains they cherish pull them to flame.

"My friend, He waits with arms open wide,

The Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine.

Don't let the darkness seal your fate;

He weeps for you—return before it's too late."

Lord, I lay them in Your wounded hands,

The blood-stained altar where love still stands.

Their rebellion grieves, yet I cling to the Cross,

For You are sovereign, Redeemer of loss.

Friend, if you hear me, just call His name.

The gates are open, and love remains.

I long for the day we'll meet again,

In Heaven's courts where grace begins.

I'll pray 'til my voice is dust and gone,

But Jesus still waits—He'll bring you home.