Heavy Stones and Dry Bones – A Poem by Charumathi R. Rao
She walked down the dusty path, very early on that Sunday morn,
A bag of spices in her hands, teary faced and heart forlorn.
She’d seen him stripped and beaten blue, a crown of thorns upon His head,
All He’d said had seemed so true, but then He still did end up dead.
A hasty burial did no justice, to a man beloved and so adored;
So, with the spices and some friends, she walked to His tomb, down that road.
A heavy stone they’d rolled across, the tomb to shut and seal it well,
They’d posted guards to add to the loss, just in case some mischief fell.
“Now, who shall roll that heavy stone?”, she worried as they walked along;
She knew it was a heavy stone, and they surely needed someone strong.
But when they reached the place she saw, the open tomb, an empty grave,
And in the place of a body dead, the risen Savior she found instead…!
A broken seal and scattered guards, the heavy stone was rolled away,
Her tears of sadness turned to gladness, joy in place of utter dismay.
Overwhelmed and hope renewed, ran Mary, to declare that day,
That no heavy stone could hold Him down, not even death could block His way…!
And since that day, this hopeful news, remains the same and very true;
That Christ is risen from the dead, and His love our life’s rescue…!
We too can know, as Mary learned, and John and Peter, got to glean,
Nothing can stop, our risen Lord, no matter what, the dreary scene.
And so, my friend, what lies upon, your burdened, weary heart today?
What is the tomb you face with fear? What worries now, hold you prey?
What heavy stone, now shuts the tomb? And in the guarded tomb what lays?
Are they crushed hopes? Dreams in repose? Or prayers that are much delayed?
What valley do you have to cross? What dusty dry bones do you see?
What grief has held you captive long? What cares and worries do you flee?
What red sea now, stands in your way? Or are you in, a lengthy drought?
What’s that thing, you cannot bring, yourself to hope, once more - about?
If He can set the captives free, the blind to see and lame to walk;
If He can calm, the stormy seas, and even cause the mute to talk;
If He can bring the kingdoms down, and sets up kings upon their thrones,
What are heavy stones for Him or a valley full of dry bones?
So, whatever be, the tomb you face, shut and sealed, with heavy stones,
And whatever may, your valley be – that’s now filled, with dry bones,
Come - cast your cares, upon the Lord, For He’s alive and oh so well,
He’d fight for you and guard your soul, His victories you, will live to tell.
If He fought for, the saints of old, and proved His power, to Ezekiel and Mary,
He’d do much more, for you and me, if we’d seek His will, pray and tarry,
For He is faithful, true, mighty and able; alive and seated on His throne;
So, what are heavy stones for Him or even a valley full of dry bones?