The Road Back Home (A Prodigal’s Psalm)

[Verse 1]

With a sprinkling of dust on my sandals,

And with a sack brimming with wealth,

I left my father's fields in search of an unknown world.

"Give me my portion; I’m breaking these chains—

The horizon’s my temple, no fences, no reins."

The wind took my song, and the moon drank my wine.

My pride was bleeding, and I felt ragged.

[Pre-Chorus]

The strands of the world were unravelling.

I gave up my birthright to pursue a foolish and unrealistic dream.

[Chorus]

In spite of the chaos, grace is deeper.

And each star He named still calls out to us, "Seeker."

In times of darkness and waning passion,

There is a light in the window that love will not release.

[Verse 2]

In the mirror of mud, I whispered my name.

Famine devoured my laughter, and pigs gnawed my humiliation.

My choices arose like wheat in the wind.

But a memory of compassion triumphed over my retreat.

"Servants eat better in my father's employ—

I'll crawl back a slave, but at least I'll be a boy."

[Pre-Chorus]

I followed the ancient trail that justice had previously paved.

Where the stones whispered, "Remember the bread."

[Chorus]

Oh, the road runs wild, but grace runs deeper,

Every star He named still whispers, “Seeker”

When the world turns cold and your fire burns low,

There’s a lamp in the window where love won’t let go.

[Verse 3]

The elders said, "Hush," but the servants all cheered,

When he kissed my blistered feet, drew me near.

"Bring the ring and the robe; let the vineyards explode!"

This child was a spectre; now he’s flesh; he is whole!"

My brother stood frozen, his anger a storm,

But the Father said, "Darling, my joy is your form."

[Bridge]

Then—a shadow on the road, arms wide as the sky,

Robe, ring, and sandals, "My son was dead!" He cried.

The fatted calf danced as mercy took the floor—

Broken bread, poured wine—a kingdom restored.

And the angels leaned in, breathless, to see.

How the reckoning crumbled when love paid the fee.

[Final Chorus]

Oh, the road runs wild, but grace runs deeper,

Every scar He bore still thunders, "Believer!"

When the world shouts Guilt and the devil says No,

Run to the arms where the banner says "Hosanna!"

For the heart of the Father’s a fountain, a flame—

Hell’s chains lie in ashes where He speaks your name.

[Outro]

So tell every wanderer; every heart turned to stone:

The road back home intersects with the paved road back to Eden.

For the Father’s not waiting—He’s running, you see—

He bears a cross on His shoulders and carries a key named Free.

And the door’s never locked, though the night howls and groans,

For the Lamb’s blood still murmurs, "Come close, child. Come home."

[Coda]

(Softly, over fading strings)

Oh, the road back home…

The road back home…