She’s pregnant!
And it wasn’t me.
Not rape, she says.
Consensual, she says.
But no human man’s.
She says.
I thought her sane.
The Law says stoning.
Beaten and battered by hurled rocks.
Her beauty and innocence
(innocence??)
marred, destroyed.
I can’t.
Divorce?
Maybe.
Hopes dashed forever.
How long have I watched her?
Loved her purity?
(purity??)
Lifelong ostracism.
for her … less for me.
Yet … the best option.
Sleep is a stranger.
Tangled nightmares
Thrashing in tangled bedding.
Startling awake with visions
of stones thudding into tender flesh.
I would save her life
even faithless, insane, deceived…
Fear and awe tangle like the bedding
Blazing white apparition
Glorious. Terrifying.
Gentle voice.
“Fear not. She speaks true.”
How??
“She carries God’s Son.
“Name Him Jesus.”
I wake sweating
Quaking, frightened – yet exultant
Could it be…?
It must be…
She is faithful still
Sane
True.
Impossible yet conceivable.
To be given such a honour…
Surrogate father
protector…
I will have her as wife.
Her Son as mine.
A charge worth bearing any gossip.
Together.
With Him.
4 Responses
Beautiful, Kat B!
I’ve often wondered why Joseph was removed from the scene seemingly prematurely. Would he have been such a staunch father figure as to have earnestly risen up in defence of Jesus every step of the way, because of his great love for Him? Would it have been difficult for Jesus to have two fathers in His life? Difficult for Joseph to continually surrender Him to the will of His Heavenly Father? One day, we will know the answers, no doubt!
Blessings,
KathyB
Well, done, Kathryn! Love it.
Loved this.
Thanks, friend!