I Used To Be

I used to be right
the one left in the fight
when all words had been spent
like the command quickly sent
to send soldiers to their doom
I used to be right

I used to be strong
as though a break would be wrong
when the winds of life blew
and dragged the anchor straight through
the silt I’d thought would hold
I used to be strong

I used to be sure
always closing the door
on some poor fool’s face
as though they’d no right to my space 
pushing them out I’d end up alone
I used to be sure

I used to assume
others would move and make room
that the spotlight silhouette 
would never forget
and the crowd would call my name
I used to assume

But I was wrong
time has sung a different song
a mirror to see my actual face
a tune that makes me ache for grace
and yearn for a hope that breathes
But I was wrong

I used to be lost
with debt beyond cost
I needed someone richer
to pour from his pitcher
a righteousness not my own 
I used to be lost

I used to be blind 
and stumbling I’d find
myself led to a Cross
where all my gain was actually loss
and His face my only sight
I used to be blind

I used to be dead
the grave made a speech and said
“Embrace your chains, make peace with the dark.”
He would have been right if not for the spark 
of the Spirit’s flame that speaks a better word
I used to be dead