Easter Morning

Painting by Tommy Olofsson



Easter Morning


Maybe somebody comes to the door and says,
"Repent," and you say,"Come on in," and
it's Jesus. That's when all you ever
did, or said, or even thought, suddenly
wakes up and sings out,
"I'm still here," and you know
it's true. You just shiver alive
and are left standing there
suddenly brought to account: saved.

Except maybe that someone says,
"I've got a deal for you."
And you listen, because that's how
you're trained--they told you
"always hear both sides."
So then the slick voice can sell you
anything, even Hell, which is what
you're getting by listening.
Well, what should you do?
I'd say always go to the door, yes,
but keep the screen door locked.
Then, while you hold the Bible in
one hand, lean forward and say
carefully, "Jesus?"


William Stafford

Posted over on Friends of William Stafford