Daughter

Mark Chapter 5

 

 

The din from townsfolk starting their day outside her window woke her

She had finally fallen asleep just a few hours ago

The pain robbed her of much needed rest most nights

She used to rise before dawn and bake for the early market

But she couldn’t bake now, nor even heat her tiny room

She had survived the bitter cold of winter…

Mercifully it was Spring, the warmer days made it easier

 

A few of the women came to check on her from time to time

Someone left food in her window each morning

It wasn’t much, no one had much to spare

But it did give her some strength

And strength was at a premium these days

Her doctors could do nothing for her

They said her condition must be the will of God

 

Perhaps they were right, but that was fine

She was ready for it to end… she didn’t want to live like this

Begging for handouts was not her way

She knew God still heard her prayer

Especially her prayer when it was the worst, always at night

Last night was a perfect example

He had lifted the pain enough to allow her some sleep

 

There was one more thing to do though, one more hope

She had heard that a prophet was coming to town

And not just another of the self-appointed zealots

This one was different they said

One hears things through the window when that’s all one can do

She had heard this prophet can heal

And she had enough left in her to give God one last chance

 

She had been saving her last clean garment for her burial

But this morning she put it on

Yesterday’s water in the basin was enough to wash her face

She had to rest after brushing her hair, but she was ready now

If the prophet came near she would look presentable

If he was truly a man of God he would help… so she would wait

This would be her test of him; she knew God had heard her

 

At midday there was a noise in the distance

People were quickly walking by her window and talking excitedly

She heard someone shout “the prophet is coming, he’s coming”

She knew it was now or never

All she had to do was get to the door

Even that seemed too far

She whispered “God help me”, her throat was dry

 

Her eyes stung when she opened the door

But the sunlight felt good on her face

The street was lined by the crowd, the whole town was there

If she could just get to the edge where he could see her

She had no strength but she tried to push her way through

No one would move aside, they didn’t even notice her

They were all looking for the prophet

 

“It’s him” someone cried, “it’s Jesus”

Her heart was pounding now, her legs trembling beneath her

Those in her way wouldn’t move, “let me pass, please”, she implored

But they couldn’t hear her above the crowd

She was growing faint, she couldn’t stand any longer

As her knees gave way she pleaded one last time “God, please”

She fell forward into the street and tried to catch herself

 

Her hand brushed the bottom of a robe, the hem was dusty and worn

The procession paused and the crowd immediately fell silent, silent

She looked up from the ground at a man silhouetted against the sun

A gentle voice asked, “who touched my clothes?”

Her hand found the bottom of the robe again and she began to weep

“Could it be” she asked herself… “Rabbi” she said with much effort

“Daughter” she heard the gentle voice say, and His hand upon her arm.

Reviews

[Kelly D. Burris]

This is a totally awesome piece to experience. The pictures you paint with your words and the emotions that are pulled to compassion by the reader for this woman is magnificantly done!
You definitely have a ministry of 'beholding women'. I'm so blessed to be able to experience it.
The faith expounded upon here is so encouraging, even if it's been of scripture written long ago, it still encourages today. Timeless is the word of God.
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful piece!
Kelly

[TL Boehm]

OH I had to hold myself back to keep from rushing through this because when I got to the second stanza - I 'knew' or I at least hoped I knew where this was going. This is beautifully written....eloquent...it breathes.

[Carole]

AK, this is one of my favorite Bible stories: The woman with the issue of blood. I think about how desperate she must have been after 14 years with the same disease and going to every doctor she could think of to no avail and how she made her way through the crowd to grab the bottom of Jesus's garment. When that healing virtue left him, He knew it immediately, but more importantly, so did she. I am so thankful healing is for today!
I love how you retold one of the most poignant stories in the Bible. Very well done. You are a wonderful story teller, by the way. :-) Not every one can do it so smoothly...

[Lorraine Pearson]

This is a lovely expression of a timeless story. I had goosebumps at the end, and you know, I knew the story...but it still moves me when I hear it. You told it beautifully, and I am blessed doubly--first for the reminder of the healing that comes in the strength of faith, but also knowing I have a sister in this forum. ;)
~Lorraiyne

[Poeticpiers]

Beautifully written Brought a lump to my throat The power of faith is immense. The human body has miraculous powers of recovery once the mind believes recovery is possible

[Karen]

If only I could touch the hem of his gown, maybe then I can be healed... nice version from the woman's more intimate perspective.

[J]

Ah D, you've done it again. [It's about time!] WHERE have you been?

Only you could turn this timeless story of faith into a compelling account for our times. What a heart you have for God. It's all over your page. Beautiful work, D. Thank you.

Love,
j

[Dezaraye]

This is an incredible piece. This is one of my favorite stories and I love the element you've added to it ... seeing this from her point of view. This took my breath away, it's so beautiful.

[An Ordinary Woman]

Dale, I've thought about this more times than you know. I love this and the fact that you've written this beautiful poem and posted it tonight is almost like a confirmation for me. Thank you.

I'll explain later, k? ...