from Isaiah 49:1-7

God of all revelation,
Isaiah writes that he was called before birth
That you made his mouth sharp
That he was shaped like an arrow
Turned and turned into perfection,
And yet hidden in a quiver,
Ready to speak, to strike truth when needed.

Yet, so often we feel that we labor in vain
And that all of our striving has been vanity.
Restore to me the joy of my salvation,
Let me once again hear your call.

Joan Curbow

Joan Curbow is a reference librarian and archivist at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.