Ephphatha (Be Open)

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Decapolis
brings a man whose ears are closed.
Much has been said
about the healer arriving from Tyre.
He has drawn demons
out of men possessed
and sent the evil spirits into pigs,
casting them to deep waters.

Decapolis
brings a man whose speech is garbled.
They come as intermediaries,
begging the traveler
to simply lay His hands
on their friend
a man unable to ask for himself.

Touching the ear,
sacred saliva to a frozen tongue,
the traveler
of whom wonderous things are said,
speaks a single word,
Ephphatha!
And the deaf have gained hearing,
the mute can speak.

Decapolis
has seen a miracle in its streets.
The district has been chosen
to witness.
There is reason to celebrate.
But soon miracles are justified by skeptics
and gossip puts limits
on the love of God.


copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr

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