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Gayle Haynes May 2018
DREAD

John 18 and 21
By Gayle Haynes

Charcoal on the embers made a warming fire;
Bitter smoke swirled up and burned my nose.
"You were with Him," a servant said three times
"He had friends and you were one of those."
What threat could my love of Him now pose?

"Not I," I said, and stepped back in the dark.
I could not speak or witness of his power.
Danger was everywhere; when the soldiers came,
I took a sword to defend him in that hour.
What recompense to pay if now I cower?

Suddenly the **** crowed twice and my heart froze.
His words came back with bitter taste and tears.
"You will deny me, I who washed your feet."
He knew my weakness; the knowledge burns and sears.
What judgment waits for me in future years?

Again, beside a charcoal fire, agony was ripe.
“Do you love me more than these?” he said.
Now my fear was of a different type
For He asked me to follow where he led.
How could His amazing love swallow all my dread?
Gayle Haynes May 2018
Oh, God of freedom and of might,
Who gave us victory in the fight,
Provided bounty in this land
By strength of all who chose to stand,
We thank those who obeyed the call,
Who stepped up and gave their all.
We have no medals to bestow
The depth of gratitude to show.
To honor those who stood to serve,
We pray You bless and still preserve.

— The End —