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The Emmaus Highway

Each day we wake up and we walk to Emmaus,
escaping what has, and what may yet dismay us.
Returning each evening downcast and defeated.
Arising again as this loop gets repeated.

We start every journey with thoughts that are clouded,
and inch down the highway that’s now over-crowded,
in search of the Word that we hope will allay us
while telling our tale on our walk to Emmaus.

The very first Easter, two men felt defeated,
and walked to Emmaus, but they were soon greeted
by One who taught wisely and while they were learning,
they found that the Word they heard left their hearts burning.

We hear many words from those walking beside us.
But One speaks His Word and it burns deep inside us,
and if it is kindled, will keep our hearts burning,
or we’ll keep on walking and never stop yearning.

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Poet’s Note: Luke 24 describes the first Easter Sunday, including the story of two disciples who decided to walk to the village of Emmaus to escape their disappointment in the death of the man they had put all their hope in. They were joined on their journey by a stranger who turned out to be their risen master. When they later reflected on the conversation they had had, they recalled having a burning sensation in their hearts as Jesus taught them why he needed to suffer, die, and rise. Even in times of great disappointment, the same sensation is available for everyone who will kindle the spark they feel when they hear the Word.

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Warren Bonham is a private equity investor who lives in Southlake, Texas.

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6 Responses

  1. Roy Eugene Peterson

    That is a great smoothly written and beautifully rhymed depiction of one of the greatest stories ever told! Amen!

    Reply
  2. Gigi Ryan

    Dear Warren,
    I love this poetic retelling of the Emmaus Road. Especially the last couplet, which is the chilling (or burning) Truth. Thank you.
    Happy Easter!
    Gigi

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      If even Cleopas and his fellow disciple didn’t recognize the burning feeling they had when walking with the resurrected Jesus, I guess it’s not surprising that the rest of us struggle as well but there sure seems to be a lot of yearning going on right now.

      Reply
  3. Margaret Coats

    Warren, this is a profound, poetically presented comment on the Emmaus story, which is my favorite of the Easter Sunday stories, happening late in the afternoon or early in the evening. Jesus speaks to those who are foolish and slow of heart to believe. And what does He say? He explains all the Scriptures concerning Him, starting from Moses and the prophets! I myself was rather restless at church on Saturday evening, as we were going through the Twelve Prophecies from Genesis on. But look whose example we follow! Happy Easter season of fifty glorious days to you and yours.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      I really like this story as well but it doesn’t seem to get much attention with all of the other action that went on right before and after the walk to Emmaus. Happy Easter season to you as well!!

      Reply

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