But You, Lord, Do Not Be Far

The second section of Psalm 22 descends into the darkest imagery of the entire poem. Bulls, lions, dogs — closing in from every side. David's body is collapsing: poured out like water, bones coming apart, strength dried to dust. His enemies divide his garments before he has fallen. And yet — one verse turns everything: "But You, Lord, do not be far." From that moment, the Psalm moves toward rescue, and ends in praise.

The central verse, chosen as the title of this song, is:

"But You, Lord, do not be far; my strength, hasten to my aid."

After every wave of suffering — besieged, mocked, stripped bare — David does not give up. One direct word to God: do not be far. And in verse 22, the answer comes: "You answered me." From the depths of collapse, through one cry, to the song that follows rescue.

This song is part of the larger journey of the project: with God's help, to compose and sing the entire Book of Psalms in a diverse, emotional, Jewish, and uplifting musical language.