Noah

When sin and wickedness fouled the earth
God's option was destruction and rebirth.
Faithful, righteous Noah answered His call
to build a boat, teach, and plead with all
sinners to heed and repent.
He preached, not in a tent,
but at a construction site,
where grew in height
the giant boat He was given instructions to build.
No union workers or carpenter's guild
assisted with his project,
nor could he persuade any to protect
their lives by repenting and going inside.
The animals knew to follow the unseen guide
as out of the forest and across the plain
they came, from feather to mane.
Into their places they quietly went,
and then the angel God sent
ominously closed the door and withdrew.
Jeered by more than just a few,
the ark for seven days remained motionless
on dry land and grass.
Then the rains came,
forty nights and days the same
pounding, rocking, floating, wondering
what could possibly withstand the hammering.
Below the waves, mountains grew,
canyons receded, the earth's shape no one knew.
Protected inside by angels unseen
the family's awareness was keen.
As the waters began to recede
Noah wondered indeed
when they would disembark to the plain,
pitch their tents and crops again.
First the raven did fly
until things began to dry;
Then the dove was given a turn,
and with a fresh olive leaf did return.
Seven more days passed
and the dove disappeared at last.
With the ark's roof no longer there,
God said, "Enjoy the fresh air!
Come out and inhabit the earth, all of you.
Bring the birds and animals, too."
In gratitude and thanksgiving
with thanks to God, for they were living,
they offered Him sacrifices pure.
God's promise today still does endure,
sealed in the sky, the rainbow bright,
reflecting the Son's pure light,
as we will see on the day of glory,
the end, yet beginning, of the story.

@ vegiemama of Home-N-Vegie-Blog