‘The Emmaus Highway’: A Poem on the First Easter by Warren Bonham

.

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.

.

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.

.

.

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