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At Preaching Of Salvation To The Saved
[after Hebrews 6:1; John 9:4]
The pilgrims' leader stood outside the gate---
a holy city's; say, Jersualem---
as his flock centered, he shouted at them
(not in a mean tone, but a joyous shout)
that they should not, for any purpose, wait
nor let the least of hindrances raise doubt,
but hurry on (as if they had not hurried).
He coaxed them as though still too far away;
as though, this close to entering, he worried
if they would be successful to complete
the journey; as if their worn, wearied feet
had yet the very first step still to make,
as if they knew not what to leave, or take,
with them. Each message ended with "How 'bout
"it?" as they passed on by. And such abundant
promises inside made his every word
really unnecessary and redundant
as if no one believed and no one heard.
Through and well past the hig heat of the day,
he kept on talking, and did not abate.
One must admit his zeal was rather great;
only his message seemed to have its lack---
exhorting everyone there they should strive
along the road, as from it they arrive
to enter, as if they were still far back
who were now walking in. At dusk, the gate
swung shut while he still stood outside, the jerk,
and night fell---in which no one could survive,
in which, most certainly, no man can work.
Starward
[jlc]
