by Mark Weinrich

Ethan stood on the shore watching the boat with Jesus
and His disciples disappear. How he wished he was pulling
at an oar, pulling with the disciples, pulling away 
from the wretched place he’d haunted 
as a demonized lunatic for over ten years. 

He fingered the coarse cloth. He still couldn’t believe
Jesus had given him His robe. 
Then Jesus smiled and asked, 
“What is your name?”
He stuttered with the first words, “I have been… 
cursed as Achar—trouble for so long,” 
he paused, something was strange.
“I don’t know that I remember, I think…” he stopped 
and smiled. There was this strange peace, listening 
to his own voice without the riotous clamor in his head.
“Thank you, thank you,” tears rolled into his matted beard, 
he tried to kneel.
Jesus held him up and Jesus’ eyes shown with peace. 
“What is your name?”
“I think I was called Ethan.”
He laughed when he heard his voice.
“My name is Ethan.”
Jesus rejoiced and the disciples joined in 
laughing and clapping in celebration.

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.