by Rosalie Weller

Leah, I should know. I am Jairus’ wife
and we are talking about my daughter’s life.
Yes, I understand you, for I was sceptical too.
When all’s said and done; whoever heard of such a thing.	
Raising the dead.
 
Our precious girl, the only daughter
Roughhousing one day with her brothers
Fell onto what, I don’t know, but the infection started to grow.
I saw the gash on her limb, she didn’t complain of anything,
but the smell of death was already on her.

You know the story, a wound goes bad, then comes the fever.
Burning red, a little delirious. It’s touch and go if it will leave her.
Jairus raged when he saw it. He said the miracle worker is in town.
I’ll beg and plead for him to come round.
So, he went.

I had my doubts but he was desperate. I just felt so helpless.
It was so sudden; unexpectedly she left us.  
I sent the servants to Him, saying “Don’t worry, 
she’s already dead so there’s no hurry.
The mourners came from the village.

Jesus came to the location. 
You should have seen the commotion.
Noisy wailing, like the trouble of the world beset us
He took charge then silence touched the chaos.
It was his eyes which mesmerized.

She is not dead; she’s sleeping. 
Go outside and stop this weeping.
His hand ebbed healing power, as her body increased its vigour; 
rejuvenating her olive skin with adrenaline.
Pulsating life again, she stood.

“Don’t tell anyone.”
You must be joking!
I ran through the village my tears choking
My daughter’s alive, He has healed her.
Thank God and praise Him forever.

Leah, it is true. 
You would believe it, if it happened to you.

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Rosalie Weller is a retired ordained minister of the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. She is also a qualified school teacher, becoming the head of the Ethics Faculty of a state school in the UK. Although she has always written poetry and short stories, retirement affords her more time to hone the crafts. She runs two writing groups, affiliated to the Association of Christian Writers and is the Groups’ Coordinator for that organisation, serving on the national committee. In her writing, Rosalie enjoys exploring different poetic forms.