17th March 2023
They say he scattered serpents,
Patrick man of God.
Richer tale than science tells,
Of broken land bridge,
Figuring the breaking of
Demons’ grip on Ireland.
Island strangely serpentless
Freed from deception
Through Patrick’s declaration
Christ in ev’ry ear
Through churches he established
Christ to ev’ry eye.
Not in Patrick was the might
That scattered serpents
But in One he bound to him
His breastplate and strength.
Timeless One and limitless,
Word who speaks life still.
He crushed the serpent master,
Jesus, Son of God.
Bruised to heal, cursed to break curse,
Better Word made sure
By return from death’s domain
And to Father’s side.
Once-freed isle now slips back to
Serpent-whispered lies
Lives ensnared by what seemed gone
Scattered not banished
Salty words and deeds of light
Merely held them back.
The promise is far greater
Soon the God of peace
Will crush the serpent master
Neath his people’s feet.
This dark Ireland’s lasting hope
For this our longing.
Influences – St Patrick’s Breastplate, Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20
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