How Far

I told you once
That I would never leave you
I've repeated it every moment that has passed since
Ripple passing on to ripple
In a pool of summer sunlight
Stretching to an invisible crystal shore

I told you once
That I love you
It has echoed down the moments like trickles becoming a stream
Stream becoming river, river meeting the sea
Ending in a bottomless waterfall trickling to infinity

I told you that you were forgiven
And it was extended from fingertip to fingertip
On a rough-hewn tree
Hammer-stroke to hammer-stroke
Each stifled cry and parting sigh
Becoming a breath of pity, a prayer gasped for your pardon
Even as the nails were driven deeper
The sun becoming black above my brow

I remembered you as I was forgotten by my Father
Drew you close as He turned me away
Bleed for you as you heal before me
Hurt with you when you cry

Though you can never understand how much
My love is extended towards you
Never fathom how much was the cost
How great a sacrifice given
My love stretches to you
Farther, wider, deeper than any you could ever dream

~Jesus

(written: 04-02-2012)