As a deer longs for flowing streams
so my soul longs for you, Oh God.
Why do you long oh my soul?
Do you not see me in early morning dew,
or feel me in the air within your chest,
or perceive me in the smile of a child,
or in the caress of a loved one?
I am nearer to you than you are to yourself.
Come drink of my Presence,
Come quench your thirst in me.
For as much as you thirst for me,
I thirst for you even more.

Christi Ortiz is a licensed marriage and family therapist by profession and a poet by passion. She enjoys trying to put to words to that which is wordless and give voice to the dynamic and wild spiritual journey called life. She lives in Spokane with her husband and two children, Emmanuel and Grace. She loves the outdoors and meditating in the early mornings which gives rise to her poetry.