ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Simon of Cyrene

An African Jew of Cyrene am I,
a humble farmer of grain.
Alluvial plateaus of Barley and Wheat,
my life so ordered and plain.

The Passover loomed and the harvest was in,
the oxen freed to the field.
Jerusalem beckoned my commerce be done,
we’d surely feast on its yield.

My robe brushed of dust and my staff at my side,
my head held high, feeling grand -
I joined with the throng and we all traveled on -
our thoughts on business at hand.

A rabble of people ahead choked the way,
an urgent tone to their cries.
Some were rejoicing while still others wept,
and some had fear in their eyes.

I saw a man staggering, bleeding and bent,
too harsh the treatment he bore.
For one precious moment I looked on His face,
His eyes, though anguished were sure.

I found my way barred, a Centurion barked,
“You there, you take his place!”
Taking his burden I met with his gaze,
he glowed personified grace.

I shouldered the cross to relieve His distress,
but still he stumbled and fell.
It wasn’t the timber he found such a load
but all the horrors of hell.

He carried the weight of the sins of the world,
I cried as I carried His tree.
‘twas Jesus of Nazareth, God’s only son
en-route to suffer for me.

Lovely.
Robyn

Well written Owly . . where's it set? Dunno any of them towns, are they near Jericho, in Central Qld?

Marty

Hi Marty,
To get there you have to turn right then keep on the straight and narrow.

or a few more of us

Beautifully written Wendy - and just perfect for Easter

Cheers

Maureen

Nicely done Wendy.

Heather

G'day Wendy,

I am in agreement. Well written and expressed with the confidence of a 'believer'. Thank you for your courage.
It is perfect for the season of Lent and reminds we Christians of what is written. When I think of this 'Simon', I think what a privilege it was for him to share that burden and I wonder did he have any idea that he would be known for all time. Wow,what a lasting expression of his fifteen minutes of fame.

Hi Owly
Lovely poem and so well written I felt I was there! I would love to share it with our little Joan of Arc group here on Magnetic Island at Easter. I'll contact you. Thank -you for such a thought provoking piece at this time of year.

Dot

Thank you all for your kind responses.
It's hard to believe, but even here in Aus, such thoughts and poems can be ridiculed.

I just love how the boys felt comfortable enough to still crack a joke or two. No need to tip-toe around me fellas!!

Wendy well done, I think the rest of the blokes are awe struck like me, what a wonderful poem, I love the beat.

An' no talk of chooks or other stuff.

TTFN