The Oaks of Mamre

The Rev. John Fairbrother

 
He washed their feet offering
Welcome and preparing food
Attending these guests to meet
Their needs within his tent
Under the oaks of Mamre
 
Like desire as with fear
Shimmering shape uncertain form
Becoming three walking before
A man restrained by family need
Knowing dangers of reason to share
 
Body's treasure freely offered
Drawn from fragile family store  
Bread and water necessity's gifts
A meal providing welcome's form
Simply food where royalty is born
 
A quiet leaving might have done
Until laughter filled the tent
Three men defying age and wisdom
Giving hope where life was gone
Leaving a blessing of pleasure and joy		  
He washed their feet revealing
Need for friends understanding
Judgements of the heart  
While love's betrayal would hurry
From his borrowed room
 
What more could be done
With journey end knowing
Hate descending love near forlorn
An intimate gathering of closest friends
Knowing despair is redemption's release  
 
Friends knew death leaves no shape
Beyond anger pain memories formed
Bread the Rabbi broke for hope of life
Pouring wine for sense of heart
Simply food to embody faith
 
Foreboding, poignancy of love
Filled the air when the Rabbi's call
Urged one to leave these friends
Knowing betrayal destroys reason
Revealing the redemptive Way

 

 

©   John Fairbrother 2013