While stooping to fasten his sandals
So no one could look on his face The messenger hid his emotions Then accepted the final embrace. The apostle with tenderness sent him On a journey precarious and hard And prayed that he would be kept safely In the sheltering arms of the Lord. In the city of Rome Paul was impris'ned Though his mission was not truly fettered The youth was his faithful assistant To deliver his wonderful letters. The streets of the city were crowded And the envoy was jostled by throngs The Appian Way lead him outwards Til at times he traveled alone. In a pouch on his belt was the parchment Protected most oft by his arm More precious than water or victuals He was careful to keep it from harm. The cobblestone road lead him at length To a bustling harbour and dock But sailors must wait on their omens They were a timorous lot. At last the sea journeys were ended And on foot he would travel again With Christ as a caring companion He never did feel all alone. At noon the sun beat without mercy But night left him feeling the chill Though hunger and thirst often hounded The mission he vowed to fulfill. At eve he lay down in the starlight And thought of his Father and Guide But if storm clouds would thicken above him An inn was the place to reside. At last he reached troubled Colossae With words from the famed brother Paul The scroll was cherished and preserved A message for saints then and now. Marilyn Friesen
