John the Baptist

[a mere housewife]

This is like so many things I wish I could express, not great poetry. But it expresses something I do mean and always more.

--
Lord, I would prepare a way for You. Shall I
Reprove a king? A soldier?
An adulteress, or a Publican?
My neighbor's land is high.
The valleys shall be raised: he dwells on hills.

How was an ancient and uncompromising man taught to rehearse --
'No, not Elijah, not that prophet,
Only a voice -- '

I almost see him standing by the Jordan,
Stripped of his camel's hair
(No prophet, I -- only a barren tree -- a wilderness -- a stone --
Unless you hear this rock within me cry and make a son of Abraham)
Long days, or even years, before he saw the Lamb,
Wading breast deep into the water,
Tears of repentance coursing down his chin,
Confessing his own need of baptism --
Repenting sin

Where later he confessed -- did not deny -- his need of Christ.

Lord, so do I.