To withstand the fearful squall
Of the seething raging sea
Braving waves' high water wall
Is unalloyed futility.

Useless rudder, sail and oar,
While the winds, withdrawing, mutter,
Then returning, howl and roar
Crashing smashing oar and rudder.

Storms do often change direction,
And the wily winds may wail,
Keeping still, as in reflection,
Then returning, rip the sail.

Hard it is a craft to steer,
Easy to fall overboard,
Ship mates in their dread and fear,
Will implore for help the Lord.

Billows, rushing faster now,
High and higher comes the tide,
Doomed the ship's rear, doomed the bow,-
Starless, pitch dark is the night.



Silently He walks on water,
Untouched by the wind and gale.
Face illumined, garments flutter,
Riding billows, surf and swale.

Is this ghost illusory?
Treading upon surf and squall,
Fear foments man’s fantasy-
He is not terrestrial!



“It’s a ghost, disciples quake,
Phantom, ghost, an eidolon,
Let us steer for safety's sake
The boat a little further on.

Awe inspirihng is the sight!
Will the apparition stay?
Or keep wandering through the night?
Or pass us by along its way?.



None does know and none can say
There is more than meets the eye,
We can only hope and pray,
But it seems He is drawing nigh.

Now He speaks to them: "It's I,
Fear not! only look to me,
Lo! I heard your anguished cry,
Saw your great adversity.



"Centering on the sea you'll fail,
To do what you can do, - and must,
And sink as prey to storm and gale,-
For the world, lacks faith and trust“.

“Oh my children - do not fear!
It is I, - Salaam! Shalom!
I am with you, I am here;
Peace to you, - It’s I - I AM.


Mark 6.43-52
John 6,15 - 21
Matthews14-22

© Elizabeth Dandy