Kindlestroke

I taught Israel to walk,
took her by her arms --
she didn't know I weened her.
I drew her with cords,
gentle as mother,
led her by bands of love.
I lightened her neck,
took off her yoke,
stooped to her
and fed her.
How can I give her up?
How can I hand her over?
My heart turns over within me --
All my compassions kindle !
I won't live out my anger --
I'll let it run off.
I'll lift her from her grave,
bear her from her bier,
replace her pall with bridal cloth.
Her I won't see will-broken--
for I am God, not a man,
the Sacred One in your midst.
I'll put off my wringing strength,
I'll put on my healing stroke.

Taken from Hosea 11