Running to Rome

Bela's grandpa told us the story
of Peter running away from Rome.
And as Peter ran away,
he saw Jesus running to Rome.
"Jesus!" he called, "Where are you going?"
"I am running to Rome to die!"
And so, Peter turned and ran after Him,
back to Rome,
where he would die, according to legend,
hanging upside down on a cross.
"I am not worthy to die as my Lord," he said.

"What must that have been like for Peter-
to run back to Rome to die?" Bela's grandpa asked.
He turned-
He ran-
he did not walk
he did not hesitate
he did not wait
he ate no last meal:
He ran back to Rome.
To die.
And on grandpa's face
I saw joy.