the preacher

could I walk by the side of the sea
near a rise where
folk
are gathering
to hear him speak again
about
beatitudes
and humble righteousness that might be in reach
not as the leaders of religion
and politics
dictate
but as God set the relationship to start and
even flawed or fallen
should apply

not easy words
always
to hear him
but
what’s shared is for us for us
to try

then I suppose he will
leave again
as he
does as if he’s tired
and we press on him
it’s true

as if there were no end to his miracles
and teaching
and
how these go together but
he must depart
and
I think I understand

he’ll walk away with closer followers
or get in a boat that’s tethered
near
and the miracle goes on
amazement it must be
to be so close
away or
with the multitude

c l couch


photo by Micah Camper on Unsplash
Capernaum, Israel