A Precipice

I kneel atop a precipice in life While grasping two contentious loves of old, As bitter gusts and breath-bereaving strife Are slowly tearing at my weary hold. One love, of wicked impulse indulging, The depraved hunger in my breast beating; The other Love, to my soul divulging, Truth scorned: world's carnal joys are fast fleeting. Both loves of past and future make war here And importune to let the other go; Condemning one to save one would appear To rescue me as well from death below. But now my captive soul loves one alone-- My loving Savior whose mercy atones.