I've always been fascinated by the fact that the first miracle Jesus performed was not the healing of the sick, but the livening up of a party -- a wedding party, in fact. The role of God in weddings would seem to be just at that sacred, ceremonial moment where man and woman are made one before God. But at Cana, Jesus used his powers to provide for the feast. So the picture that goes along with my sonnet retelling the bible story is not Carl Bloch's solemn painting about Jesus making wine out of water. I chose the picture of some wedding guests dancing and enjoying themselves. I think this is just what Jesus was after.
Feast of Cana
by Gideon Burton
Perhaps he was a guest, perhaps a friend
rejoicing in the union taking place
that day. Two pairs of parents, proud to blend
their common blood. Strong joys to light the face,
and wine to lighten footsteps for a dance.
He must have overheard their worried talk
as servants hovered over jars. He grants
it is a little matter, yet to mock
the loss were nothing kind on their behalf.
A wave, a word, a hurried, baffling sip.
The host and hostess, crying, start to laugh;
the guests raise happy cups to smiling lips.
Great miracle, indeed, to raise the dead,
to lift our hearts, as well, through wine and bread.
rejoicing in the union taking place
that day. Two pairs of parents, proud to blend
their common blood. Strong joys to light the face,
and wine to lighten footsteps for a dance.
He must have overheard their worried talk
as servants hovered over jars. He grants
it is a little matter, yet to mock
the loss were nothing kind on their behalf.
A wave, a word, a hurried, baffling sip.
The host and hostess, crying, start to laugh;
the guests raise happy cups to smiling lips.
Great miracle, indeed, to raise the dead,
to lift our hearts, as well, through wine and bread.
Feel free to copy, imitate, remix, or redistribute this poem as long as you give proper acknowledgment of authorship
Photo: SYPhotography
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