The Picture of His Face

[nb]

Hi Loretta!

I know zip about formal poetic forms so I will leave that angle to the experts here.

...And though dear Lord you follow me, and
for my sake do part the sea;
his naked face will always be,
the cunning ghost who's haunting me.

I like that "his naked face" is "the cunning ghost" that is closer to you, is more immediate to you, than God, with Whom you admit to having a personal relationship. (I think God will cut you some slack. )

A life on stage now sets his teeth in paper cups.

Ooo, this hits you. Very good!

And then I wake, the world is bland,
I find therein, my empty hands.

Excellent strong finish; a very stark image. Maybe you could jiggle it so that "hands" is also in the singular. I think it would flow better.

Thanks!

nb