Reflections from Pastor John Cao is a series of poetry and writings from the recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience exclusively published by ChinaAid. The piece below was written on March 28, 2024 and has been minimally edited for clarity. To read more of Pastor John Cao’s poetry, one can purchase the collection written while he was imprisoned, Living Lyrics: Poems from Prison.
Ode to Wang Mingdao
Regretting being born a bit too late,
Unable to meet face-to-face and seek your teachings.
Having gained freedom, he should have rejoiced secretly,
Yet suddenly turning back, willingly requesting severe punishment.
Across generations, we share an understanding smile,
For the truth, not hesitating to sacrifice our lives.
Every generation of saints must discipline themselves,
No one can bear the heavy burden for you.
Gratitude
From the moment I was imprisoned, many people prayed for me and encouraged me. They were by my side every day, never leaving for even a moment. So I wrote this poem to express my gratitude:
Alone in a secluded corner for over two thousand days,
Yet when was there a single day of true isolation?
Looking up, I see the faces of brothers,
Lowering my gaze, I read the letters from sisters.
Before the cold arrives, they often ask if I have a cotton coat,
Before the door opens, they already sent me shoes.
My heart roams the four seas endlessly, without bound,
We’ll eventually reunite, though my path is different for now.
Fighting on the Battlefield
Seven years for a new life, a great mission awaits to start.
Casting accumulated worries behind, the target is the horizon’s far part.
Don’t say the road is distant, each small step beneath your feet is grand.
On the frontier battlefield, the warrior sings aloud, equipped with spiritual armors.
