To hear the author read this poem, go to

www.dracoatesworth.co.uk

Return To Jerusalem

Christ returned to Jerusalem

Two thousand years had fled

Since he was crucified and died

So - he found a room and bed

He was woken from deep sleep

The bomb gave him a fright

‘What on earth is happening

In the middle of this night?’

Christ walked, no one knew him

To a village six miles away

'Would you like a refreshing drink?'

He heard a young girl say

‘We are not rich, we have no wealth

But it is very hot today

You are welcome to rest a while

No bombs have come this way

We still have my father's house

Home of many generations

So have a seat, while you can

Soon there may be altercations'

'Thank you, I accept the offer

Of a little wine and bread

Fish is fine, you are so kind

Please, explain what you just said'

‘The Palestinians want to live

In their land, it was never sold

Others gave some for the Jews

I was not born, but I’ve been told

Always fighting, many are killed

Our lives are full of fear’

'You still retain your kindness

That, to me, is very clear

Why do so many Jews wish to live

In Jerusalem and around’                                                           

'Don't you know that Christ died here?

They believe it’s hallowed ground'

'Oh, but he didn't die for this

For fighting, hate and greed

He wanted nations to show love

And all the hungry feed'

Then to himself he said:-

'I spent three dreadful, cruel days

Fastened to that cross in pain

I might as well have enjoyed my life

As nothing has come as gain

I have travelled around the world

Everywhere it is the same

Atrocities, fighting, hate and wars

All done in ‘my holy name’

I must have made a big mistake

People believe in me, it's true

I have made things even worse

That’s not what I meant to do

It is now the wrong way round

They think ‘belief’ in me will save

But my example of love and care

Was the message that I gave'

CopyrightACoatesworth2007