Knelt

Knelt

Ryan Ramsey

It’s not easy to lord over
feet you are devoted to wash
or abuse
the one you suffer with

A ruler may adorn his throne
but a pastor belongs at the basin

It’s hard to commodify
a story you hold with sacred attention
or deride
the one you dream with

A ruler may expand her dominion
but a pastor bears witness at the basin

It’s unthinkable to curse
the agency you cherish in another
or fear
the one you feast with

Rulers feed the compulsion to win
but pastors offer presence at the basin

It’s impossible to devour
the dignity of souls you nourish
or betray
the Shepherd you abide with

The ruler finds salvation in the confines of his power
but the pastor lives integrity at the basin

From the platform, a ruler speaks down to her subjects
From the basin, a pastor gazes up to her friends

Towel & dirt join the teacher to the taught
while the water washes all of self-importance

It’s not easy to rule
a fold that flourishes under your care
or neglect
a people you follow with

A ruler governs bodies by their oath & utility
but a pastor honors names at the basin

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Ryan Ramsey
Pastor & Writer

Ryan explores the intersection of spiritual formation & pastoral integrity and has been published in Fathom Magazine

Photography by Rebecca Klassen