Poem November 30, 2009 Issue

The Donkey of Damascus

Brian Kissock

One time, Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Normally, Jesus walked everywhere he went, but this time he borrowed a donkey's colt. On it, he rode into the city. There the people welcomed him by treating him like a king. They shouted, "Hosanna!", which means "glory to God," because they had seen how Jesus had healed the sick and raised the dead.

Hear the donkey's colt tell the story from his view:

Under a spreading cedar stands
A colt about fourteen hands,
Beside him a donkey,
All furry and bland.
The little colt said,
I'm just a simple donkey from Damascus,
Drawing carts that transport the water,
Yet they chose me,
To carry the Master.
I trod the olive leaves,
Felt his weight upon my back,
Between my shoulders.
He spoke so softly as he stroked my neck:
Don't be afraid, little donkey,
My burden is weightless,
As he took up the slack.
That day my step was light,
My burden was easy,
I felt so loved, I was in his sight.
I heard people shout, "Hosanna,"
Yet I felt the Pharisees' disdain.
I saw the waving branches.
He was so gentle with the rein.
I held my head so high that day,
I felt serene and sure,
And never love like that again,
Poured forth upon the poor.
That was the day of my life.