I thought Love was
A sideways feeling, my heart reaching out
Like a flower for the pane of sunlight
Like a diver lunging for that sapphire gulp of air
Like my mother’s hand at the bearded stranger’s glance
Like the warm doorway back home when the twilight falls
“No, no,” I told myself, “it is time to grow up – it is time to stand. Otherwise you’ll fall”

I thought Love was
An upward feeling, my eyes taking it all in
Like a sunset bursting into its final glory
Like a star-cathedral in its myriad pinpricks of stately pale fire
Like a tree battered and savaged, but still doggedly standing
Like a hand firmly drawing you up when hope itself has been lost
“No, no,” I told myself, “the field is level now – it is up to you. Don’t go looking for anyone to help” 

I thought Love was
An outward feeling, my arms reaching around
Like forgiveness coming unannounced around a sharp corner
Like a friend’s hug, silent and warm as a beam of summer sun
Like a mantle of thick jade pasture draped on the curves of a quiet valley 
Like a forbidding hand laid on your shoulder, but you look back into eyes that heal
“No, no,” I told myself, “so weary of looking round – they are never coming. Stay here in the shadows yet” 

I knew it was Love when I saw Him:
He was reaching out anguished, His arms pinned sideways
Palms shattered with rusted iron
He was reaching upward toward Heaven, His chest heaving for the precious air
His feet pierced by nails I had seen before
(Shutting the door of eternal life in my face, and rightly) He was wrapping the world in a dying embrace, murmuring: “Of them which Thou gavest Me have I lost none.”
And like a child I went running for Him, crying out, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

Jeremy Vogan, Spring 2026

Photo credit: Monserrat, anuqmxx

Author: Jeremy Vogan

My name is Jeremy Vogan. I live in Staunton, VA with my wife and four kids. I love to write, and seek to honestly explore the intellectual and emotional implications of following Jesus as a deeply broken person in a twisted, cruel world that is full of veiled beauty and meaning. Writing is part of how I faithfully look for Jesus Christ to someday make all things new. I'd enjoy hearing your feedback! JV