Still Water Indeed

Marian my cousin and I took a trip
To Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific.
The hotel was nice, but I wanted a dip
So jumped in the bay - ah! terrific!

I lazed on my back looking up at blue sky
Chicago was murky smog distant.
I sang "water" hymns, not cognizant why
No one heard neither melody or descant.

"Here comes Jesus, walking on the water"
"Jesus, my Savior, oh pilot me"
"I've got peace, peace like a river"
"Just a closer (swim) with Thee"

I opened my eyes, then asked "where am I?"
Beyond the arms of the bay!
Oh no! When I stroke, the harder I try
The waves just pull me away.

Today I believe if it weren't for the hymns
My life on earth would'a been over.
To a barnacled rock I finally did cling.
God's Spirit my Rock and my cover.

This is a month, in two thousand eleven
My kids to "Stillwater" gave birth.
It is also a time Pacific land has been riven
By fright'ning quakes of the earth.

Tsunami! we cried, oh power so fatal
As water-wall pushed hard into land.
No respecter of aged or babes in the cradle
Heedless of nations, families, life that was planned.

From Noah to Moses to Jesus at Sychar
How much water flows in our creed:
Living! Fountain! Cleansing! Tears! Power!
And Stillwater Symposia, to water we heed.


Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea.
Unknown waves before me roll
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass came from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me!