by Mark Weinrich

She was cut off and walled in
by the Jewish elders,
trembling, clutching her torn clothes
trying to cover herself.
She couldn’t bear to glance up
the keenness to kill
eager in their jackal eyes.

Some bounced stones
in their hands taunting
reminding her there was
no mercy for a woman
caught in adultery.

They placed their case,
demanding her condemnation.

Jesus kneeled and wrote in the sand.
She puzzled at the word, FEAR NOT.
Jesus stood and bid the sinless
cast the first stone.

Her heart leaped with shock
and surprise as the stones
plopped to the ground.

Jesus kneeled and wrote again.
Tears flooded her eyes
as she read, MERCY REIGNS.

Jesus stood, “Where are they?
Did no one condemn you?”
“No one, Lord.”
Kindness shone from Jesus’ face.
“Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

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.