Deep Silences like Thunderbolts Were Hurled

Deep silences like thunderbolts were hurled
through the noiseless deafness of my quiet world.
These sounds were generated from within
for my ears just could not take the sounds in.

From the world outside no sound could be heard
no clashing of drums or song of a bird.
My eyes could see your lips talking to me
but what you said remained a mystery.

Cut off from the noisy world all around
and from its vast cacophony of sound.
I could not hear dogs bark or babies cry,
the rustling wind or river rippling by.

Then there down by the Sea of Galilee
they begged Jesus to lay His hands on me.
I was deaf and dumb and could hardly talk
but Jesus took me aside for a walk.

He reached out touching my tongue and my ear
cried out "Ephphatha" and then I could hear.
My tongue was loosened and I could now speak
and was no longer an outcast or freak.

Overwhelmed and amazed at everything
I heard all the people His praises sing.
For although Jesus told them not to tell
they told everyone He'd done all things well.

Mark 7: 31-37

This poem was a finalist in the September 2013 poetry contest