Persistence At Heaven's Gate

With an infirmity thirty-eight year

He lay without help at Bethesda's pool,

Fretting and alone with no savior near,

Destined to live with his sickness cruel.

When the waters were moved he arrived last,

Coming to the pool with submissive sighs;

Then back to his bed when the moment passed; 

Yet he made an effort to claim the prize.

A man came with an unfamiliar face,

"Wilt thou be made whole?" He asked as they talked;

Resigned the sick one explained his sad case,

The One said "Rise, take up thy bed and walk.”

Thirty-eight years is a long time to wait

Persistence when begging at heaven's gate.

September 2016