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

COPYRIGHT/USAGE: All writing, artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws. Please do not repost or resell on another website. I’m happy for you to use my coloring pages and other printables for home, school, and ministry. If you share content, please link back to the original post. Thank you!

jesus speaks to women