The original for which all the others are named

After Acts 9:3-6

The walls and buildings of Damascus

are in sight, the next step in the journey

to destroy the heresy about to be made,

the self-gratification about to intensify,

when the original light from which all others

derive, the original voice from which

all others are heard, the original experience

from which aa others will follow,

happen.

First, the blinding light from heaven,

so blinding and so stunning that he falls

to the ground.

Second, the calling of his name, twice.

Third, the question, the accusation, 

a statement of truth: why 

do you persecute me?

Fourth, the response, also a question 

one that understands and anticipates 

the answer: who are you, Lord?

Fifth, the answer, another statement

of truth: the one you persecute,

the One identifying with the many.

Sixth, the command, go to the city

and wait to be told what to do.

Photograph by Ray Fragapane via Unsplash. Used with permission.