Carpenter of Nazareth

Bring me back to the time
before the call of disciples,
of parables told
and blind and crippled
healed,
while the grain of corn
lay dormant
in the ground —

If I could walk with You
to places
known to sparrows,
roam the woodlands
of Palestine oaks,
stroll furlongs further,
past grapevines
and date palms,
through fields of  wheat
and barley for gleaning —

If I could watch Your hands
work
on cedar and cypress,
handle wedge and chisel,
build tables and cradles,
wooden doors
and childhood toys —

And yet

when face to face,
as I gaze into Your eyes,
will I discern the sorrow
for Jerusalem,
the weeping
for woman and man —

O Carpenter of Nazareth,
my Lord and my God!

by D. G. V. © 2012