Unnamed in the Story

by Christine Crawford

Originally published in Fathom Magazine, September 2021

Unnamed in the story

Then Jesus told them yet another story: “Once a man had two sons…”

Luke 15:11-31

The kitchen window framed the scene—

the proud posturing, the wild gesturing.

And I, with linen towel twisting

between fretting fingers, watched

as a broken boy extended his hand,

demanding honor from kindness.

For six years, I coursed my days

and minded my worries at the window,

eyes straining down an empty road,

prayer pouring from mourning lips.

In the evenings, I despaired as I watched

rough lips mouth unanswered prayers,

and low shoulders—burdened

beneath sorrow—undress in tallow light.

And I lay beside him in silent lament—

unnamed in the story but hand-in-hand

with his hurt, sitting shiva with kindness.

Each morning, I rose with the dawn,

picked limp dreams from the counter,

and kept watch at the window.

Washing, praying.

Drying, praying.

When at last our earnest prayers were answered

and our lost son’s shape rose on the road,

I abandoned my post at the window.

Eyes straining to meet his.

Joy pouring from praising lips.

I clutched my miracle on the stoop

and then busied myself with preparations.

But as the celebration swelled, the sun sank

and a new agony dawned in another son.

The kitchen window framed the scene—

the proud posturing, the wild gesturing.

And I, with linen towel twisting

between fretting fingers, watched

as another broken boy pointed his finger,

resenting kindness from honor.

about the author

Christine Crawford

Christine is a published poet, a freelance writer, and an unabashed theology geek with a heart for the vulnerable. She holds 1.5 master’s degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and loves to help people explore God’s upside-down kingdom through art, story, and humor. You’ll find Christine on the porch of her creekside cabin with her two dogs (one sinner, one saint), savoring anything involving music, laughter, nature, or words.

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