Poem: Calm Seas

Calm Seas

You have seen the picture on a hundred walls,
the boat full of huddled fishermen,
waves and wind and rain
tearing the sea around them,
their faces full of fear,
distorted with the sureness
of the nearness of death,

but there, in the distance, Christ,
a soft light around him,
walking towards them,
his feet light above the water.
All about him the waves tower,
the storm rages.

Disregard the lighted figure,
and look at the sea
beneath his feet.
It is calm. Placid and peaceful,
a thing totally other
than what swirls around the frightened fishermen.

You know the story.
He will soon calm their own seas,
and they will row their way to the sureness of shore,
proving that it is not the weather
that brings wildness or peace,
but who joins the journey with you.

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The photograph was taken at Mystic Seaport, CT. You can click on it for a larger version.

Tom