THE ANGEL TOUCHED MY THIGH

Looking towards the Pentland Hills

(Genesis 32:31, Hosea 12:4)

I had the vigour of my prime
   On which I could rely
In all my ventures till the time
   The angel touched my thigh.

All things I gathered to my will
   Whether by truth or lie –
I cheated shamelessly until
   The angel touched my thigh.

I hobble forward like a tramp
   Despite the dawning sky
Since, as I felt his bitter cramp,
   The angel touched my thigh.

But I can garner richly now
   A bountiful supply
And gladly testify of how
   The angel touched my thigh.

I hold the dignity of prince
   For that is God's reply
To all this world's discomforts since
   The angel touched my thigh.

My composition which God taught
   Could in no part apply
Nor could I freely bless had not
   The angel touched my thigh.

Though once this lameness made me sad
   God helps me so that I
Worship before Him and am glad
   The angel touched my thigh.