That Fateful Stream

 

I dreamed last night that I stood chest deep in a wide creek,

at the mid-way point between two banks.

On one bank I saw screaming masses toting picket signs,

painted black with bloody red letters:

'WORLD ENDS TOMORROW!'

'GOD IS YOUR ENEMY!'

'HE IS VENGEFUL!'

'DIE SINNERS DIE!'

There were gunshots,

I heard angry chanting and fiery preaching.

I saw faces flushed tomato red, with great bulging eyes.

Children stood with little signs of their owning, mimicking their elders-

they were certain that this was the Way.

I looked to the other bank, green and lush.

Christ stood there, a single tear on his cheek.

He shook his head, and then smiled a sad little smile.

“Can this be true?”

I called to Him, pointing towards the other bank.

“My children have lost sight of me.”

He replied with sorrow.

“Are they lost?

Are we all lost?”

I asked, afraid of what the answer might be.

He then smiled in earnest, and a billion stars shone in His eyes.

All around Him, there was radiance and splendor.

I was blinded by him,

raptured by joy,

filled with love,

hope,

compassion.

When once again I could see,

a bridge spanned across the banks.

My Lord stood at one end, waiting patiently.

The masses continued their ranting,

utterly unattentive.

I looked to him, puzzled.

“I cannot force their feet.”

He said.

“I can only show them the way.”

As I stood, soaked to the bone,

two of the ranters stopped.

They sat down their signs,

they opened their eyes,

and they crossed over to Him.

I wept tears brought on by joy,

by awe.

I pulled myself onto the bridge.

Then, I walked to Him.

There was tranquility.

Reviews

[lostboy]

we all can make this dream a reality. its are choice.

[Tommy]

Wow James! This is a vision. "Hold to the iron rod"...This dream reminded me of a parable found in the Book of Mormon, in 1 Nephi 8. The words of Jesus teach of peace, and forgiveness. It seems that some hear the calling, but don't truly listen to the lessons...

Great Write James!
RLG,
Tommy

[The Viking]

This is awesome. When you mentioned the protesters with signs saying "God is your enemy" I immediately thought of the Westboro Baptist Church, because I've been strangely fascinated in watching videos on youtube about them and how fucked in the head they are. I love how you showed Christ watching his confused flock with pity instead of rage, completely nullifying the claims of the protesters. It is sad as hell that people pervert the scriptures to make God this super judgmental deity casting damnation on anyone who steps out of line. The truth is far from that. I love the redemption in the end, when two of the people see the path and cross it, finding tranquility in the end.

[Emily B]

oh, James, wow! what a dream . . .