I am creating a series of art and poems based on the words Jesus spoke to women. This poem is based on the account of Jesus’ words to a woman with a curved spine found in Luke 13:10-13.
He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years. She was bent over, and could in no way straighten herself up. When Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight and glorified God.
Luke 13:10-13
for 18 years
my spine
warps and bends
an undoing
of my formation
in the womb
locking joints
melding muscles
into a constant ache
my heart
and lungs
pressed in
my spirit
also bowing
to dust
if eyes are
soul windows
mine are shuttered
feet detour
swiftly around
my stiff slowness
still
I show up
to holy places
for long
suffering
doesn’t give up
and this day
I hear the teacher
call me near
“Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.”
and it lifts
like a mist
in the sun
then he touches,
uncurls
unfurls me
born anew
and tall
I meet his eyes
and I let loose
in the glory
I see there
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This is so beautiful, Mary! It reminds me of a study I did in a Women’s Bible study group last year, “Jesus and Women” by Kristi McLelland. So uplifting when we truly discover how Jesus treated women during his time here on earth!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, meaningful writing and artwork! I love it all! ❤️
Thank you so much, Catherine. It is so heartening to pay attention to these things!
I love this.
Thank you, Katie!