Remember the Chains

"Remember my chains" – The Apostle Paul


----------[Remember My Chains: The Thoughts of The Apostle Paul While Imprisoned]


In prison (dark and dank),
the only companions you have are your memories
(and sheer silence)
whether good or ill
and you are consoled by the pleasantness of your virtues
and haunted by the shame of your evils
as you shimmy and shake your legs to scatter the rats lurking
entertaining thoughts of devouring your flesh
...and you assess your life, filtering out the extraneous matters
wondering when, if ever, your heart was truly pure
and at what point you veered
(and why)
or if you’ll ever get another chance to redeem lost chances
at old loves, wilted friendships, words never spoken
but you always meant to say
and to satisfy those whom you disappointed, and even
rectify the issues for those who you could never please
even if you could
and you relish all the times you experienced mutual joy
but honestly
I wish I never unsheathed my sword
or balked and doled out orders to kill the innocent
I wish I could wash the stained blood of the martyrs I made
from my conscience, the chief of all sinners
all my earnest attempts at rescuing those in throes of death
are interrupted by my waking up
realizing the past will always be a memory
no matter the intensity of my efforts to revisit the man I used to be
in the midst of this soul searching I can only find comfort
in the mystery of divine forgiveness
salvation from all malice of soul
rest from all guilt and lasting peace
in a fresh rebirth
because even in a prison chained like an animal
one can close his eyes
and fancy himself standing in the next life
white and pure, the score settled;
free to talk to God with no disrepute


(it is only in this promise that I find dignity in my chains)






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Colossians 4
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.