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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 14)

When tetrarch Herod then had heard
About Jesus’ reputation,
He told his servants, ‘This is John,
The Baptist, who’as been raised from dead,
Because of which mighty powers
Are seen at work in him right now.’

For, Herod had arrested John,
Bound him and threw him in prison,
Because of Herodiaz, wife
Of his brother Philip, as John
Had told Herod, ‘’Tis unlawful
For you to have your brother’s wife! ’

Although, he wanted to kill him,
He feared the people who had high
Regards for John as a Prophet.

Herodiaz’s daughter then,
Performed a dance for Herod’s sake,
On his birthday celebration.
Herod was so delighted then,
He swore to give her what she asked.

Her mother prompted her to ask
For John’s head on a platter kept!
Although the king was distressed, still
He ordered her request be done,
As he had promised before guests.

So, John was beheaded in jail.
His head was put on a platter,
And given to the girl who took
And gave it to her mother then.
His disciples carried the corpse,
And buried it and told Jesus.

On hearing news then Jesus went
By boat to secluded a spot,
By himself but the crowds followed.
His heart felt pity for the crowd;
And so, He cured the sick, they brought.

When evening came, his disciples
Then told, ‘This is a deserted place,
And it is already so late;
They wanted crowd to go and eat,
By buying food in villages.’

But Jesus said, ‘There is no need
For them to leave, give them some food.’
They said that there were five loaves just
And two fishes with them that time.
Then Jesus said, ‘Go bring them here.’

He ordered them sit on the grass.
He took the five loaves and two fish
And looking up to heaven, blessed;
He broke the bread and gave to all
His disciples, and crowds were fed.

They ate with satisfaction great.
The fragments remaining were picked,
Which were twelve wicker basketfuls.
There were five thousand men at least,
Not counting children and women.

By boat, his disciples then went,
As crowds by Jesus were off sent.
Up the mountain, He went to pray,
And was alone, by evening, Aye!

Meanwhile the boat had gone some miles;
It was tossed by fierce winds and waves;
And by the fourth watch of the night,
Came Jesus walking on the sea!

His disciples got terrified,
On seeing Him walk on the sea.
In fear, they cried out, ‘’Tis a ghost! ’
But, Jesus said to them, ‘Its I,
Take courage, do not be afraid.’

Then, Peter said in reply, ‘Lord,
If it is you, command me too
To walk on water, towards you.’
He said, ‘Come Peter! ’ and he walked
Upon the water to Jesus!

But when he found the wind so strong,
He feared that he would only sink,
And cried out loudly, ‘Lord, save me! ’

So, Jesus stretched His hand and held
The frightened Peter and told him,
‘Of little faith, why did you doubt?
The wind had died as they climbed boat!

And those upon the boat remarked,
‘You are the Son of God, truly! ’
And after helping them to cross,
He came to Gennesaret land.

The men recognized Jesus there;
And sent word to others around.
They brought to Him all who were sick,
And those who touched His cloak’s tassel,
Were healed as if by miracle!

Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-2-2007
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poem by John Celes
Added by Poetry Lover
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