Poem February 6, 1965 Issue

THE COCK STILL CROWING

Bernice King Brigham

Three times Simon Peter
Vehemently denied,
"I know him not."
The third time, meeting those eyes,
And hearing the cock crow
On that trembling morning.
Bitterly he wept.
Perhaps he prayed
To redeem himself from perfidy,
Just one more chance:
Then, on the shore of Tiberias,
Finding Jesus waiting,
Peter in glad surprise
Ran to meet
His Lord and friend.
Three times Jesus asked,
"Lovest thou me?"
Twice Peter replied, "Yea, Lord,"
And the third time
In sorrow at the seeming doubt,
"Lord,...thou knowest that
I love thee."