and from the mountain top
Jesus saw them,
his disciples—

toiling in rowing,
the ship
in the midst of the sea

and as they struggled,
braced against the wind,
oars pressed to unfriendly waters

he walked to them

over wave
through gale

unhurried
unharried

“be of good cheer”
he said,
“be not afraid,
it’s me.”*

up into the ship he went
(no laboured hoisting,
no desperate rescue)
and the wind ceased

the peace, a resounding hush

see the wake he leaves
message etched on now still waters:

walk over, not into or with*
buffetings, bluster, rage, fear
walk over, not into or with
torrents, tempest, rancour, despair

walk with me,
Christ:
inner voice of calm
truth teller
divine oasis
your shelter from all storms

joni overton-jung

*Mark 6
*Mary Baker Eddy