Crossroads: two poems by Ada Anne Ohnezeit
- cmbharris
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
image by Ivo Zahradníček, on Pixabay, modified
Crossroads
I hear temptation at my door,
I’ve often heard that knock before,
Oh, how I’ve struggled to ignore
The lure of pure abandon!
To unlock the door and slip away
From righteousness and go astray,
To grope in darkness, lose the way
From the solid rock I stand on?
No rules, no bounds, no limits there
No one to turn to, then,
No “Presence” who’ll lay down His life
That I might live again!
I hear temptation at my door,
But through my window, high—
Beyond the clouds, the heavenly realm
And God’s unsullied sky!
*
The Pathway
I don’t aspire to head the march
That leads to Heaven’s door,
I’ve often stumbled on the way,
A shame that I deplore.
If, when I’ve fallen, weary, sad,
Some soul comes by to say,
“I’m lost! Please help!”
Lord, give me strength
To rise and point the way!
Then, with resolve, I will go on
To tread that pathway true
And do my best to lead the life
The Savior wants me to.
But should once more I falter,
For I’m only human clay,
May someone fallen, just like me,
Rise up and point the way.
Ada Anne Ohnezeit, born in 1925, is a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania.
Throughout her life, she has written short, humorous verses for family and friends,
as well as longer compositions that reflect on life, family, faith, nature, and holidays.
Her works continue to bring joy to loved ones of all ages, as well as to her church
community. Ada’s poetry has been featured in The Penwood Review, Spirit Fire Review, Ekstasis, the Integrated Catholic Life Poetry Room, Foreshadow Magazine,
Saint Katherine Review, Pure in Heart, and Words of the Lamb Magazine. Now
approaching her 101st year, Ada continues to read and write. Recently, she has
filmed four series of poetry readings, along with one interview. Ada has also
traveled to churches across Western Pennsylvania, giving live readings during
services. She is currently working on new pieces for her fifth series. Ada’s recorded
works can be found in the YouTube playlist “The Poetry of Ada A. Ohnezeit” or
on Wildwood Chapel’s website, linked below.
September 2025 issue
"I hear temptation at my door,
But through my window, high—" Yes, we need to look up.