Conversations beside the Shore
When the Heart no Longer Compels, What will We Choose? A reflection on John 21
Peter, do you choose me,
though it cost you all?
I answered,
how ever could I love you not?
twice asked & answered
long ago beside the shore.
Upon the thrice he met me
& said it is enough.
Broken-hearted,
thrice I’d failed him;
days a-looming
surely will require more.
About the Creator
Randy Wayne Jellison-Knock
Retired Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church having served for a total of 30 years in Missouri, South Dakota & Kansas.
Born in Watertown, SD on 9/26/1959. Married to Sandra Jellison-Knock on 1/24/1986. One son, Keenan, deceased.
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"Any last words, cowboy?" "None you'd understand, sodbuster." "Funny. That's Marshall Sodbuster to you. But I meant some last nugget that would help us in the adjudication of the myriad offenses counted against you and your gang. I wasn't asking for penitence."
By Adam Diehl4 days ago in Fiction
Comments (21)
Beautifully written
I love this, my friend. It’s so simply but poignantly captured. I’ve always loved this account. I’ve always loved Peter. I like to think he had a similar affliction as I: my good old foot in mouth disease. Always saying and doing the wrong thing because I act before I think. Peter was so full of love and passion. Classic example of running ahead of his own feet. Something I relate to deeply. But Jesus saw the foundation. He named him Cephas for a reason. Told him to shepherd the flock for a reason. Trusted him as the foundation for a reason. The fact that he gave him three chances to prove his love and to give him the assignment he knew he could entrust to him… three chances to completely override his three denials. Such a pure and simple but deeply loving gesture.
Very touching and beautifully-penned! Very nice work Randy!
Randy it is so good to see your works again. This one left me speechless and wishing I can write a poem this powerful and longing.
Nicely crafted.
Feels like a poetic puzzle my mind keeps trying to unravel... Gonna keep re-reading, but a winner of a poem. Wows!
Good job 👍🏼. Thankfully, Jesus’ love for Peter remained steadfast, despite his failings. That’s love💝
Poor Peter. I feel his pain and shame in this, Randy. Wonderful entry!
Beautiful work, Randy! So glad to see you back 💙💙
That humanness is displayed in us all. The strong desire followed by weakness. ❤️ thank God for mercy and grace
Nice work.
Beautiful ♦️⭐️♦️♦️♦️♦️
ach, Peter... always gets to me! love this, Randy! your unique voice has been missed as well as your presence in general!
That moment of realization. Truth known but actions denying it Failure amid the journey Shame The same that caused Adam to hide Fear, brokenness Aware
I can feel the pain in this one Randy. Beautifully written.
Such deep emotions of struggle and dedication. I can so relate to this passage. Sometimes we experience challenges and trials in our journey of faith. It’s not always easy. Beautifully written, Randy.
Lovely words
Wonderfully written. <3
This was so profound and poignant. Loved your poem!
Choosing God above all is not an easy path because the devil will try its best to put the chosen one to test their devotion to God.
Good to see you back, Randy!!! Awesome entry!!! Love it!!!