A5- PART N

A gospel in blank verse with rhymed parables
‘Such strange things we have never ever seen,’
they said, and glorified the God who gave
such power to Jesus, Son of Man.
They journeyed on and found a place to stay.
A woman they called Martha welcomed him
and those who followed him: so while he taught
in comfort in her house, she went about
and busily prepared a meal and served
their needs –and there was much to do – indeed
so much that she’d have liked some help. She asked
her sister Mary for a hand, but ‘No!’
she sat enraptured at the Teacher’s feet,
curled up and hanging on his every word.
The girl refused to budge. Martha complained.
‘Look, Lord,’ she said, ‘I am in need of help
but not one finger will my sister raise!
She lounges with the guests. Tell her to help.’
‘Oh, Martha, Martha, Martha don’t you see?
Your head is full of commonplace concerns
preparing food and making sure the guests
all have a helping and are full. Well done!
Your sister chooses to digest the food
that I bring to the world. Then let her be.
Her’s is the better choice. She shall not be
deprived of that which is her preference.’
i