Poetry: "If I Were There"

If I were there back then
When You called from the shore
Would I have dropped my net and followed?
Would I have said, "Come back later" ?
If I were there back then
When You cured the blind and lame
Would I have run to the hills, exalting Your Name?

If I were there back then
To see You Transfigured in white
Would I have stayed in awe, or run from Your sight?
If I were there back then
In the upper room where you broke the Bread
Would I have understood what it truly meant to be fed?

If I were there back then
When you were agonizing in the Garden
Would I have stayed alert and awake?
Could I have comforted You when
You felt even the Father would foresake
If I were there back then
When the guards descended with clubs
Would I have run from them in fear?
Or would I have stayed with You near?

If I were there back then
When the Romans ravaged You with whips
When from Your Body pain would flood
Would I have helped Mother Mary -
To wipe up Your Precious Blood
If I were there back then
When the Crown of Thorns crushed Your brow
Could I have stood in the Square
Watching others who knew You disavow?

If I were there back then
Would I have been willing to help -
You carry the Cross all the way to Calvary?
Would I have been like Simon -
Too busy making sure they knew it wasn't me -
That was convicted to a gruesome death

If I were there back then
Would I have stayed there by your side
While the Romans nailed You, hands and feet -
To be crucified
Would I have stayed with St. John and the Blessed Mother Mary?
Or would I have been like St. Peter, who hid away and cried?

I was not there back then
But I am here now, today
Striving always to follow Your Way
But in my human frailty, still sorry for -
The times I have not seen Your Face
In the lonely, hungry, the forgotten poor

Begging Your forgiveness for not putting You first
For neglecting to help those who thirst -
To know You, My Lord, and Your Light
I was not there then, I am here now
Some say I'm just one man
But I am filled with the Holy Spirit
I am ready to achieve Your plan
I am ready to spread the Good News
To all those who wish to hear it

© Frank J. Maduri. All rights reserved