by Mark Weinrich

Ethan longed
to be in the boat with Jesus.
the villagers had asked Jesus to leave.
The thought of all the dead pigs,
almost made him sick. It was financial
disaster for the whole countryside.
It was all his fault, not Jesus. 
“Lord, please let me go with you?”
Jesus smiled and pointed at a small cluster
of people, “Go and tell them what you know, 
what great things God has done for you.”

When Ethan had glanced at the people, 
he saw his brother and sisters, 
and they had families,
and fear wasn’t written on their faces.
Wonder was shining from their eyes,
some were even smiling.
Not one of them turned away
as he left the shore and walked
into the new life Jesus had given him.

Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 139 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.