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Jan Wood

Honorable Mention 2006 Utmost Christian Poetry Contest $50

I write in response to questions that bully my Faith for answers. It is the only way I know to quiet them. This piece grew from the following: “If the avenue to Grace and Peace is forgiveness, isn’t it a wisdom-poor society that negates the need for it?"

I have chased my Faith in God, found it in pieces in my community, in the forests, along the lakes and riverbanks of Northern Saskatchewan. I have observed its validation in my mentors, in parenting and teaching. I have been blessed with family and friends and many fulfilled dreams.

…and Jesus was baptized
   (Matthew 3:13–14)

why
did he stand
in that Jordan River
if he was fully God
why
didn't he stay
on the dry riverbank
present and accounted for
a dense and nuclear loneliness



instead like an ordinary person
he stepped forward
against John's counsel
in need of conviction or a sign
why

is there more fear than relief

when the truth
descends

do I not want him

fully man

do I wish he stayed

clearly delineated God

waiting

letting doubts rise

in muddied waters
with the rest


do I push him ashore
not want him quite so close

Copyright ©2006 by Jan Wood