Read Mark 4:35-41. How did Peter experience this event?
We were well out when that squall hit.
No big deal – we’re used to it.
Tricksy wind, keeps swinging round
but we’re OK, the boat is sound.
Together we can make her prance
in tune with the wind, a merry dance.
I’ve the sweep oar, takes some strength.
James holds the sheets, he has the length.
Andrew hanging over the side
keeping her balanced, not a good ride,
not with landlubbers rushing about,
all that racket I have to shout
“Out of our way and stop that din!”
Andrew’s soaked as a wave comes in.
“Must get to land!” they shout with fear.
I reply, but they don’t hear :
“Keep bow to wind, avoid the rocks,
the squall must stop before she docks!”
“Keep clear!” I shout and swing the oar
as someone speaks above the roar:
“I want to help! What can I do?”
“Be like Master, he’s got the clue!
Out of the way, down there below!”
“How does he sleep?” “Blowed if I know!”
With slap and crash another wave.
Screams and cries of “Who will save?”
Some go below, give him a shake.
The silly fools! Now he’s awake!
He looks around. To him the squall’s no bother.
He’s trusting us to hold the boat together.
Sees fear and struggle, scraps with one another.
He goes at them? Not them, but at the weather!
The waves have gone, the wind has died.
Squalls haven’t stopped like this before,
it’s our turn to be terrified –
What happens next? Must get to shore!
Five pairs of oar, James at the bow,
the rest must work, except our Master.
Relief and joy, as one they row,
We’ve never known this boat go faster!
Whatever the size, from liner to coracle,
whatever the boats, even those metaphorical,
when ‘love one another’ is swamped by the spray
he still sorts us out, very gently, his way.
Peter Dixon