Thoughts on Repentance

Mother Nature has been fattening up...

She has been slumbering deep in dreams,

But now she stretches and breathes down deep...

She is bursting at the seams.

 

Bright-hued flowers pop up,

Their tiny newborn leaves!

Watch them open up their little fists

And curl them in the breeze.

 

 

I stroll along in the cool, fresh air –

I sniff the new turned earth.

I smell the rain that fell last night –

I hear the laughter and children's mirth.

 

I see the sky — it is blue, blue, blue –

There were never better words!

I see the flash — white, gray, red and brown

Of swift, bright plumaged birds.

 

A creaky gate on a rusty hinge sways

Gently to and fro...

Suddenly, clear in the morning air,

I hear a rooster crow"

 

“My God!" I catch my breath — "My God!"

I fall on my knees to pray.

"This night before a cock crows thrice ..."

Is that what I hear Him say?

 

I see a man; he is tall and gray.

A deep fear clouds his eyes.

With a roar and an oath, he doubles his fist;

"I know not the Man!" he cries!

 

Through the air of that day so long ago,

Sharply pierces the crow of a cock

And stricken with anguish, he stands quite still —

Quite still, stands this man like a rock.

 

"Feed my lambs... Feed my sheep…"

Does he seem to listen? See his lips, pale and thin.

He raises a hand, and with sound strokes

He scratches the stubble on his chin.

 

On his knees he falls and bows his head;

He is humble, abject and meek.

A tear wells up and comes splashing

Down his weather-beaten cheek.

"My Father," he groans, "Oh my Father!

My God! What is this that I have done?

"I have just betrayed — I have mocked and slapped…

I have spit in the face of your Son."

 

The days go by, the months and years,

While along the path He had trod,

Walks this man ... Talks this man…

Tells all who would hear the tale of the Son of God.

 

He baits his hook — he throws out his line;

He fights setbacks, pains and remorse.

He pulls in his nets; they are heavy with fish...

But one day they take him by force.

 

They are after his blood it is plain as can be;

He laughs, He exults, and He fears not their plan.

His eyes blaze with rapture!  "Take me, Lord," is his plea.

 I love Him… Dear God, I worship the Man!"

 

His voice rolls like thunder, "I love Him.”

 

A bright light spills down from the heavens above,

And sweeps down to earth on the wings of the Dove;

While an angel of God, with a gold martyr's crown

Nears the cross where hangs Peter, his head upside down!