"The Denial of St. Peter" Jean-Louis Forain
Just Before Cock-Crow
You are his friend from Galilee
I do not, do not know the man
I’m not his friend and not his clan
he really is stranger to me.
You’re dreaming up a fantasy
you little wench with evil plan.
You were with him from Galilee.
On oath, I do not know the man!
Cease and desist your lying spree.
Why do you paint me partisan?
I told you true when we began
swear by each herring in the sea…
You sound like him from Galilee!
© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly
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This rondel paints a few moments from the story of Passion Week. The account of Peter denying that he even knew Christ, let alone had spent time with Him (Mark 14:66-72) is a cautionary tale to me. I wonder, how would I have reacted in the same circumstance? Do I ever deny Jesus in situations that are far less threatening?
POWERFUL! Both poem and picture…I feel sad as I realize how often I reflect Peter here.
Thank you so much, Janet! I find it hard to write about Good Friday and Easter… Everything’s been said, and so well. But there are always little moments to explore, aren’t there?
Yes Violet, there really are…in surprising ‘fresh’ ways as was this!