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Home Poetry Beauty

‘My Heart’s Desire’: A Poem by Susan Steele Rives

February 22, 2025
in Beauty, Poetry
A A
4

.

My Heart’s Desire

There is one thing that I long for,
_and another that I need.
One essential to my soul,
_the other made of dreams.

My heart tries to deceive me,
_wants what I can’t have.
The Spirit dwelling deep within me
_has a better plan.

I justify myself as worthy
_of what I desire.
In truth sometimes my best-laid plans
_ought perish in the fire.

Lord, help me trust you’ll give me
_everything I need.
Help me crucify those lofty
_yet misguided dreams.

Lord, help me be content to go
_down the path you made for me.
Help my weary soul to know
_You’re all I’ll ever need.

.

.

Susan Steele Rives is a bookkeeper by profession. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in Christian education. She resides in the Ozark Mountain region of Missouri. She published her first poetry book, Dandelion: An Ozark Mountain Reflection, in 2024.


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Comments 4

  1. Gigi Ryan says:
    7 months ago

    Dear Susan,
    This is a beautiful prayer putting me in mind of Psalm 27. You have well captured the essence of the battle between flesh and spirit.
    Gigi

    Reply
    • Susan Steele Rives says:
      7 months ago

      Gigi,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Soli Deo gloria.

      Susan

      Reply
  2. Margaret Coats says:
    7 months ago

    Parallelism of the Hebrew psalms shines in this prayer, along with an expression of humility also found in those sacred songs. Good to read your writing, Susan.

    Reply
    • Susan Steele Rives says:
      7 months ago

      Margaret,

      Thank you for your kind words. I find instruction, great comfort, and life itself in the Psalms and other scriptures.

      Susan

      Reply

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  1. Lucia Fisher on ‘A Letter’: A Poem by Lucia FisherSeptember 30, 2025

    I'm glad you enjoyed it! I actually wrote this poem to a friend after I babysat her cats, Mustard and…

  2. Lucia Fisher on ‘A Letter’: A Poem by Lucia FisherSeptember 30, 2025

    Thanks Paul! My wise college astronomy professor described the gas and dust of the Milky Way as "Cosmic Kitty Litter"…

  3. Lucia Fisher on ‘A Letter’: A Poem by Lucia FisherSeptember 30, 2025

    Glad I could help! I'm always surprised how even light verse can have an impact, and I'm grateful to hear…

  4. Lucia Fisher on ‘A Letter’: A Poem by Lucia FisherSeptember 30, 2025

    Thanks! I had a lot of fun writing it, so I'm glad it was fun to read too.

  5. Lucia Fisher on ‘A Letter’: A Poem by Lucia FisherSeptember 30, 2025

    Thank you, Margaret! It does indeed :)

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