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Emmaus

We barely saw he’d joined us as we made
Our way along the road, so sad, afraid,
So utterly confused by what had come
To pass, so unsure as to what was rumor
And what was true. And we were near struck dumb
To hear the fellow didn’t know a pin
About it all and wondered should we humor
Unknowing such as his and filled him in.
But then he talked about the Bible like
We’d never heard before and like a spike
Of light his voice just shot right through my head
And somehow soothed the grieving of my heart.
At table later then he broke the bread
And suddenly the whole world fell apart.

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Jeffrey Essmann is an essayist and poet living in New York. His poetry has appeared in numerous magazines and literary journals, among them Agape Review, America Magazine, Dappled Things, the St. Austin Review, U.S. Catholic, Grand Little Things, Heart of Flesh Literary Journal, and various venues of the Benedictine monastery with which he is an oblate. He is editor of the Catholic Poetry Room page on the Integrated Catholic Life website.

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2 Responses

  2. Shamik Banerjee

    To me, as a reader, this poem felt like a journey with the disciples, walking the path they were walking and heeding the wide barrage of thoughts, questions, and grief flooding their hearts. The final two lines act as a powerful closure to the sonnet. Your skill is exceptional, Mr Essmann. Happy Easter.

    Reply

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