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 Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. You can see a video of the art creation HERE or below.

*updated from an earlier version on 5/11/23

I have always been headstrong
often in the the wrong direction
leaving wreck
and ruin
inside and out

my bruised heart
a well dug deep
soaks up shifting shadows,
a turn of the mouth,
the spaces between us

so I find
every word of his
crisp and new
like a balm I long to apply
to all the cracked and dry

the men settle
in the living room
a master-student scene
they know from youth
laughing easily

I see the spot
near his feet
and I take it
his words a stream
my feet dipping happily

sharply my sister
calls for my help,
assuming I’ve misstepped
because of course
I’m not a disciple

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and troubled about many things, 
but one thing is needed.
Mary has chosen the good part,
which will not be taken away from her.”

the Good Teacher says that I
willful and warped
have chosen well–
a window thrown
open to the sun

and it is there
at his feet
that my compass
is finally fixed
unstoppable and unyielding

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