Poem May 8, 1976 Issue

RADICAL STEPS

Matthew 14:23-32

Richard Howard

You can call him what you like—
impetuous, brash, outspoken—
but once he recognized the Christ
and heard that command,
he did what the others didn't—
he stepped out onto the water and walked!
He didn't wonder, he didn't worry, he didn't wait—
he didn't even look to see if the others were behind him—
he just climbed out and walked.

Oh, I know! I know what you want to say—
that on Peter's part the story is a failure
because he floundered—but, friend,
because he had his vision fastened on the Christ,
that Christ caught him—reached through shrieking wind
and waves to uplift him beyond sinking doubt
and floundering fear.
That Christly rebuke was not because he had dared
to trust, but because he had not trusted even more!
Oh no, my friend, that short trip was a triumph!

And now, sailor, what about us?
When the going gets rough,
and the waves pile up,
and the wind is contrary,
and the command is "Come!" which shall we do—
remain troubled and huddled and crying out,
or take those radical steps?

Richard Howard

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

RADICAL STEPS

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access