Poem January 29, 1966 Issue

BARTIMAEUS

Mark 10:46—52

Gibbs Hofmann

Blind Bartimaeus, pitifully crying
For mercy, did not shrink nor lose his poise,
But cried the more in steadfastly defying
The grumbling crowd's demand to make less noise.

When Jesus paused, commanding he be called,
The crier rose and cast his robe aside.
Was this the garment of despair that walled
Him like a prison and Truth's light denied?

Let me discard my scarlet robe of pride
Wherein self-righteous thoughts are subtly weaved,
And boasting and hypocrisy provide
The blinding tinsel of the self-deceived;

That I may then emerge in my true being,
When earthly clatter cannot stop nor stay
Unfoldment, and, like Bartimaeus—seeing—
Arise redeemed and follow in the Way.

Gibbs Hofmann

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The Power of a Good Example