[237 L] [12]. A Message From A Poem - Scenes From The Gospels - Part 12

[237 L] [12]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - SCENES FROM THE GOSPELS - PART 12

THIS IS THE LAST ONE OF THESE CAMEO SCENES

They are here to enjoy! Scenes from the Gospels are very special to me. I love them. They have taken a lot of effort, and many, many months revision to get them as correct as possible with the difficult word limitations. Primarily they are meant more to be read aloud, than read silently as normal poems. They require voice flexibility and expression/intonation/varying speed.

I have placed commas in places where commas don’t normally go but they are there for a distinct short pause. The word before the pause has a more marked emphasis and the first word after the comma is emphasised on the very first syllable. It is like each line is in two short parts. There is inflection and expression in each line. For example –

See him sit, . . . . at Jesus’ feet.

Satan’s power, . . . . met defeat.

In his right mind, . . . . now discreet.

After a while you will feel a balance - I hope! There are twelve of these sections with 5 short scenes in each. The particular incidents are not named here but are done so at the end of my originals, in a table. I don’t think you will have much difficulty identifying them.

They are all written in two stanzas of six lines each with the rhyme scheme: A-A-A-B B-B. The same metre is used throughout: 7-7-7-6-6-7. I trust you will enjoy these and catch something of the excitement of these Gospel incidents.

The incidents written about are both parables and stories of Jesus.

{{Matthew 13:10-13 The disciples came and said to Him, “WHY DO YOU SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES?” and He answered and said to them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted, for whoever has to him shall more be given and he shall have an abundance, but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. THEREFORE I SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”}}

{{Luke 1:1-4 “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”}}

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[12]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - SCENES FROM THE GOSPELS - PART 12 (The last one)

FIFTY-SIX

“Give them something, now to eat.”

On the ground, they make their seat.

Five loaves and two fish - choice meat.

To hear the Lord, they came.

Not as Scribes, He’s the same!

All day, gathered to His Name.

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See one boy’s basket, open.

Supped from that, five thousand men.

In a place, that was barren.

Twelve baskets - gathered scraps.

A splendid day, that caps.

From little to much, God taps.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FIFTY-SEVEN

Narrow gate, for salvation.

Broad the way, to destruction.

No other, destination.

Many, on life’s broad road,

Carry, their heavy load.

Final end - a lost abode.

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Narrow gate - strive to enter.

Christ, the One, is its Centre.

Walk not past - do not falter.

Leads to life - narrow gate.

Don’t wait, or hesitate.

From the broad way, change your gait.

(You may find you’re much too late.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FIFTY-EIGHT

Jesus walked, to the city

On the road, from Bethany.

As He went, became hungry.

Lone fig tree, caught His sight.

Could this solve, hunger’s plight?

Flushed with green in morning light.

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Jesus hoped for figs the best.

When inspected, failed the test.

Tree met not, His hunger’s quest.

“Fruit again, never yield.”

That tree’s fate, was then sealed.

Withered at once. Cursed, it reeled.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FIFTY-NINE

Roman cohort, now in view;

Lanterns, torches, weapons, too.

Officers, had joined that crew.

“Whom seek ye,” Jesus asked.

He hid not, nor was masked.

“I am He!” They fell aghast.

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To save Him, from this horde,

Simon Peter, drew his sword,

In loyal defence, of his Lord.

Slave’s right ear, was slashed free.

The Lord, moved with pity,

Restored that ear, perfectly.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SIXTY

Fourth watch of night, “ghost!” they spy.

“Be not afraid, it is I!”

“Lord, if Thou, bid me come nigh.”

Peter stepped, out the boat.

Began to walk, we note.

Saw the wind; kept not afloat.

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Began to sink, in the sea.

Gasped out aloud, “Lord, save me!”

Outstretched hand, held him firmly.

Safe on board, winds did cease.

All around, calm and peace.

Elements, could Jesus police!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Done around the third quarter, 1997

Metre: 7-7-7-6-6-7

Ron Ferguson

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