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Easter Couplets

Easter’s more than just about eggs and bunnies;
More than what you may have read in the funnies.

Short and sweet, (although I can’t guarantee it),
This is what it’s all about, as I see it:

Jesus died and rose again—or he didn’t.
What the Bible says is true—or it isn’t.

If they knew he didn’t rise, were they bluffing?
Why make up such lies and then die for nothing?

Easter, more than Christmas Day, is the season
Holiest to Christians. Why? Here’s the reason:

If it’s lies, the scribes were all mad as hatters.
But if true, then Easter is all that matters.

If he rose again then we have a savior.
Death destroyed, and saved from our misbehavior.

Jesus died and rose again; take or leave it.
Think about it. As for me, I believe it.

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James A. Tweedie is a retired pastor living in Long Beach, Washington. He has written and published six novels, one collection of short stories, and four collections of poetry including Sidekicks, Mostly Sonnets, and Laughing Matters, all with Dunecrest Press. His poems have been published nationally and internationally in both print and online media. He was honored with being chosen as the winner of the 2021 SCP International Poetry Competition.

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9 Responses

  1. Russel Winick

    This poem sums up, very succinctly, the question that many people ask themselves at some point or points in their lives. Well done.

    Reply
  2. James A. Tweedie

    FYI If anyone cares, the poem is composed as a Sapphic variant. 11 beat lines as follows: AaAaAaAaaAa. It seems to scans best if the 7th beat is held slightly. However, as Russel points out, the subject is central. Christ is risen indeed! Truly, a day like no other. For Christians, a day above all days.

    Reply
  3. Joseph S. Salemi

    James, a very simple and yet deeply moving poem. The straightforward and unadorned language hammers the point home.

    Easter is profoundly incarnational and real. And yet a great many of our trendy clerics and theologians today argue that it is “an idea,” “a mythic archetype.” “a constructed narrative,” “a systematized figment,” or anything else that allows them to escape the dreaded word “incarnational.” These clerics and theologians come from all denominations, Catholic and Protestant. They wish to turn religion into a collection of philosophical abstractions and social principles.

    Reply
  4. Gigi Ryan

    Dear James,
    Your Easter Couplets have been the perfect introduction to me of a Sapphic variant. The truths in this poem never grow old, but I love to read them in a fresh way. I love the matter of fact tone that is unashamed of the truth. Thank you.
    Gigi

    Reply
  5. Cynthia Erlandson

    Good stuff, James. Just what we need — no beating around the bush!

    Reply
  6. Paul Freeman

    I enjoyed the simple, average joe style of the piece, merely stating the narrator’s stance. This is more likely to pique a non- or lapsed Christian’s interest than a shaming tone.

    Thanks for the read.

    Reply
  7. Margaret Coats

    Your fourth couplet, James, points to the actual witnesses of the historic Resurrection as themselves having died for their testimony, without any earthly gain for it. This remains one of the most potent reasons for believing them, whenever we live.

    Reply
  9. Karen

    It reads well, it is told true and I have so many I want to embrace this
    loving Jesus!

    Reply

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