A Rabbit in the Garden of Gethsemane (Poetry)

In that wild garden where he walked
a rabbit crouched deep in the grass —
a timid creature small and grey
who watched the man as he went past.

Sole witness to the stranger’s prayers
he saw the light around him shine
ears cocked to capture every word
he sensed that Jesus was divine...

and through the long night’s vigil kept
close company — a silent friend
whose tiny heart beat strong and sure
as though he knew — could comprehend

each sigh of sorrow and distress
so offered comfort of a kind
and in the dark the stranger shared
those doubts and fears that filled his mind.

Thus they bonded — came to trust
and when the stranger took his leave
the rabbit waited patiently
for three whole days — in hope believed

he would return. Then welcomed him —
the first to ‘know’ him — recognise
the transformation of his friend —
the rabbit’s instinct true and wise.

*****

That eventide along the path
disciples came to offer prayers
and found a host of flowers sprung —
blue larkspur growing everywhere.

And at the centre of each bloom
the rabbit’s image to remind
that love and loyalty, hope and joy
are not exclusive to mankind.