“Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool . . .” (John 5:2).
Light tickles the tops of water molecules whose number and strength defy the human mind, a liquid quilt stitched by Mother God. Yet the pool lies still, a peace-filled elixir for broken bodies and spirits camping at its edges, waiting not in awe at water’s cohesion but in hope only realized through loosening bonds, an angel-touched stirring, a divine troubling. Do you want to be made well? Jesus, straight to the point. Wrong question, we plead. The “how” plagues us. If not doused in the deep then . . . ? Bypass the water, proclaims the Jesus who made the sea his footpath. Stand up . . . walk.
Kellie Brown is a violinist, music educator, and award-winning writer. Her words have appeared in Ekstasis, Foreshadow, and others. In addition to 35 years of music ministry, she serves as a UMC lay minister and is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Theopoetics at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Art by James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903).
This poem originally appeared in Wayfare’s Poetry section. To receive each new poem published by Wayfare, first subscribe to Wayfare and then click here to manage your subscription and select “Poetry.”
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