garden questions

Ron Simkins – February 12, 2023 6 Comments

Renée asked me to write about something that is on my mind. Not surprisingly, since Donna’s passing into God’s next realm, and as more and more family and friends pass, wondering about God’s future is often on my mind. So, I decided to share with you a poem that I wrote over 25 years ago and recently revised. I hope you find it meaningful. – Ron Simkins

A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GARDEN FROM A BROTHER IN EXILE: 
[based on the imagery of Revelation chapters 21-22 as well as chapters 5 and 18]
            
In these last days  — 
Lord Jesus —
we have been ending this beginning
for an awfully long time.
How long before we sing a new song?
How much longer singing the old song?

In these last days,
we yearn for your Father’s Garden.

In Babylon, we succeed.
In Babylon, we fail.
In Babylon, we love…
In Babylon, we cry…
In Babylon, we sin…
In Babylon, we die.

In Babylon, 
we yearn for your Father’s City.

Jesus, are you longing for it too?
For the Garden that is a City;
for the City that is a Garden?
Do you still hunger and thirst
for a genuinely righteous gathering?
Is that what it will be
when heaven and earth —
when you and your bride — are wed? 
Will you too be filled with a joy
that satisfies all of your desires?

Jesus, will there be sunsets, high mountains, 
rushing rivers flowing over rocks,
different flowers for each month of the year,
a tree that heals whoever touches it?  
Are you serious about that shiny, life-giving river 
that runs through Garden Park at the intersection of
“Father’s Throne Avenue” and “River Street?”

May I visit a star if I wish?  
Does it matter which galaxy I choose?

Do you really want people with voices like mine
joining the heavenly choir?
Will you ask us to join you in the next dance
in honor of your Father–
the One you invite us to call “our Father?”

Will the walls in the mansions be papered with $1000 dollar bills
for those who think they would be lost without them?
Sidewalks, driveways and expressways of gold sound fine 
for those who would miss the glitter. 
But what matters so much more,
is it true that we will never have to lock our doors –
or our hearts?

Will I have friends?  All kinds —
women, men, every color, every tribe, every language?
Will they know me?  Will they like me? Why?
Can I really get to know them better?
What about Father Abraham and Mother Sarah — 
am I invited for their great banquet dinner?

Jesus, be honest:
will we all really trust one another,
really tell the truth–always? 
Will every spoken word be loving?
Will every unspoken thought be honoring?
Will every touch be healing?
Really?

Most important, will you be there 
when we reach the end of the beginning?
Will you meet me at the City Gate for the Garden Party?
Will you smile? Can you spare a hug?
This one thing I know.
If you aren’t there to welcome me; 
they won’t let me in.

Ron Simkins, 1997 revised 2023.