Poem: Father Why? (An Easter Prayer)

Father, why?

Father, why?
Where was I when you needed food?
Where was I when you were thirsty?
How could I think of you as a stranger?
Are you not my father?

Father, why?
You feed me.
You cloth me.
You think of me as your child.

Father, why?
Where was I when you held my hand?
How could I have not noticed you carrying me?
You speak, yet I do not listen.
How could I ever be worthy of your love and grace?

Father, why?
I caused your son his life
Each sin, a nail in feet and hands
Even more, I pierced his side
Yet, you let his blood cleanse me pure

Father, why?
Teach me to see
Open my eyes
Open my heart
So that next time you are hungry…I give you food
You thirst…I’ll quench it
I’ll take you in
Lord, thank you for taking away my sin
Father, why?


Jennifer Bolen
April 10, 2003