at the freeway offramp
but it was just
a homeless man
with a crudely written
cardboard sign
reading “Please help”
and since the light
turned green,
I kept driving.
I thought I saw Jesus
standing in front
of the Circle K
convenience store
but it was just
a toothless meth crone
asking for a buck
and since I had no change
I moved on.
I thought I saw Jesus
in the intensive care unit
at the UCLA medical center
but it was just
a middle aged man
dying of brain cancer
and since I wasn’t
an oncologist
I silently walked on.
I thought I saw Jesus
standing by the side
of the freeway
but it was just
a black-haired toddler
holding her mom’s hand,
waiting for someone
to rescue them,
and since I was
two lanes over
I couldn’t reach them
and I turned my mind
to my destination.
I thought I saw Jesus
hanging from a tree
but upon closer inspection
his arms weren’t outstretched,
they hung lifelessly
and I thought
this must be Judas,
and as I came closer
I squinted up
at the blue
and puckered face
and saw
it was me.
oh, dang. nice turn in the end there...and truth be told there is a bit of jesus all around, in each and even in you hanging there...we miss much in passing by, driving on, in not engaging with those bits...
ReplyDeleteThank you - this was an easy write. Happy Easter!
DeletePowerful turn at the end there - didn't see that coming.
ReplyDeleteJesus said, "What ever you did or did not do for the least of these, you did/did not do for me..." I find that a really challenging standard to live up to in my faith.
Thanks, I didn't see it coming either. So true, Jesus sets the bar high, but not out of reach, despite what we may think. Thanks for citing the verse that inspired this, Happy Easter!
Deleteoh heck.. that turn in the close made me swallow hard.. the verse tony mentions came to my mind as well when reading your poem...we need open eyes to see..
ReplyDeleteWell, I was convicted by it and I thought I should share this with the world. Happy Easter.
DeleteThat was a brave write.
ReplyDeleteHow many of us guilty of non-intervention, when we could have.Makes one think.
Thank you - as a follower of Jesus it is upon me to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I convict myself daily. Keeps me humble. Thanks, Happy Easter!
DeleteA good lesson in what we miss out on just because we think we aren't what's required.
ReplyDeleteThank you - yes, I drove right past that man on the Blaine Street off-ramp in Riverside California this morning, like he wasn't my responsibility. Thanks for your kindness, Happy Easter.
DeleteGoodness what a twist in the ending ~ Love the examples of seeing Jesus but didn't put out a hand to help ~ A meaningful share, thank you ~
ReplyDeleteThanks, Grace, Happy Easter!
DeleteMosk, this was a poem that moved me greatly. I do think we do see Jesus in so many places....if we just keep our eyes wide open. As for Judas, it is good to know that even if we betray him (as we so often do) He forgives us.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am comforted by His abundant forgiveness and grace. Thanks, and Happy Easter.
DeleteBravo! Well done without being overdone. No soapbox here and a beautiful simplicity to the heavy wisdom in your words...I've got thirty pieces of silver...think they'd let me cut you down?
ReplyDeleteThanks, 'Tashtoo, it's hard for me not to get overdone in some of this. They won't take your silver, I put myself on that tree myself! Happy Easter!
DeleteThis is amazing, Mosk... the ending especially. Perfect for Holy Week. Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie. Yes, much like Peter, I let down my Lord and Savior during Holy Week. Happy Easter.
DeleteOof, that is one powerful ending. So well done, I think there is a bit of both in all of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, and have a Happy Easter.
DeleteThank you for helping us see Jesus today, poet friend! Loved this!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and Jesus is always with us. Happy Easter.
DeleteVery thoughtful write. On occasion when I've had a spare dollar or two I've shared. Not as often as I would liked, more often than my husband thinks I should. Conscience instilled from my Catholic upbringing, 'Would you know Jesus if you saw him?' The road to heaven is paved with good intentions, hopefully our actions will help us get there too.
ReplyDeleteAnd a better question for me would be would Jesus recognize me? Thanks and Happy Easter.
DeleteMy word. I wish I could explain my emotions after reading.
ReplyDeleteThe whole way through, I wondered if they thought maybe they saw Jesus when they saw you and felt the same near the end.
Excellent poetry.
Thanks so much and Happy Easter.
DeleteWow. I've sat here for a few minutes wondering what to write... and I found myself coming up with all kinds of excuses!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been there myself, thanks for commenting. Happy Easter.
DeleteThat's a rip of an ending, Mosk...We often bypass the common and the obvious...missing the meaningful. Powerful write!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - yes in our rush we miss so much. Happy Easter.
DeleteNot sure my comment took...that was a rip of an ending!. We often miss the meaningful in the obvious and common...Powerful write!
ReplyDeleteWow. You said it all. One of my favorite reads of the day.
ReplyDeleteThank you - Happy Easter!
DeleteI was having tea with a friend yesterday, and I asked her to add to her prayers a 'virtual' friend who is going through a tough time. We got to talking about what we humans can and can't do to help, according to our different consciences. From different religious perspectives, we agreed that sometimes the only thing we can do is pray. But if we can do something directly, then we MUST. Your poem echoes that conversation
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perspective: if you can do something directly, YOU MUST! I like that. Happy Easter!
DeleteGreat poetry parable and an enjoyable lesson.
ReplyDeleteThanks,and I send you wishes for a Happy Easter.
DeleteGreat poetry parable, and a good lesson.
ReplyDeletequite a take on the oldest story around...written with grace and love..
ReplyDeleteThanks, KKKaty - written with grace, indeed, grace from above. Happy Easter.
DeleteWow.... this is fantastic. what a great easter read. certainly it sends us reeling in light of how God strives to love others through us. wonderful words. bravo!
ReplyDeleteThanks, AJ- I thought readers would enjoy my struggles with obeying Jesus. Happy Easter.
DeleteAweseome! I was hoping it might end like that. It reminds me a lot of "One of Us" by Joan Osborne, but really points out the fact that we play a very important role in spreading God's message. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, and Happy Easter!
Deletepowerful ... each face is truly our own and God's reflected.
ReplyDeleteExactly! That's how I feel. Happy Easter!
DeletePowerful and deeply moving piece
ReplyDeleteBruddah mine, this is so evocative and so TRUE. Jesus is everywhere, including the mirror. Used to work in a soup kitchen and wrote a song, in part: On both sides of the bread line/there is room for grace/How would you be treated/if you were in their place?
ReplyDeleteFood for thought this HOly Week. Or as pastors call it, 'Holy Shit! Week," so much to do. We did ritual hand-washing tonight, but started off with Lex washing my FEET. Symbolic, perhaps, and yet, I don't know when I've looked at Lex with such love and admiration.
And I love you, too! Your sistah, Ameleh
the end was a perfect twist...I felt something coming, but this was still unexpected. nicely done.
ReplyDeletehope you had a great easter brother...
ReplyDelete