A Lament for a Pastor

Stronger,
bigger,
louder
my masters
told me to be

or else
they said
I'll become

unnecessary

Following their lead
I soon became
the dragon
I was sent to slay

God sends a messenger
the message in hand

a poet,
a prophet,
ruined my plans

Following the breadcrumbs
you left behind
a holy mountain,
I climbed

Stronger,
bigger,
louder

be the master
they said
be in demand
but I followed your trail
instead

And became
more and more

unnecessary

Becoming the pastor
I was always meant to be

—

A Poem for Pastor Eugene Peterson upon hearing of his passing. Inspired by Peterson's,
"The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call"