Publishing Peace from Prison

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A Benjamite and Levite exchanged glares 
Through the bars of their prison cells.
Twice divided, by space and stance.
But in union unreconciled to each other.

Not usually in this metaphorical jail
Where whiffs of freedom tremble stale air.
No, theirs was the way once united
In travels and goals, hopes and joys.

This craftsman and artist sit briefly blinded, 
For their cell doors lay open, never shut,
And all contentious sources scribbled out
When Christ published peace long ago.

Though one wrote, "Make every effort."
And the other wished to keep company, 
Neither would be swayed in the matter
Of Mark's inclusion in their journey.

"His reputation precedes him."
"What he wants is encouragement." 
"Coddling at the goal's expense?"
"People over profit, you always say."

And the dispute was so sharp 
That they parted company
To proclaim freedom to captives.
And peace to the nations. 

Have no doubt, the Lord used it.
He always does, like seeds spilt
From the hole in the farmer's bag,
Gouged on the fence post en route.

But let it be a warning as well,
That avoiding society with some,
Is to return to the dungeons 
That we've just been freed from.

Paul and Barnabas,
Protestant and Orthodox
Democrate and Republican
Baptists and Presbyterian
Sat alike in prison cells
With all the doors thrown open.
Unwilling to walk together,
They live segregated, waiting 
To be united in Heaven forever.


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