The time of year turned to the Feast of Booths,
When Israelites, from elders to youths,
Made pilgrimage upward to Zion's slopes
And around the city made tents their homes.
Now Jesus' brothers, who had their doubts
On the way that Jesus was going about
Presenting his claims to be the Christ-king
Amid small-town, backwater happenings,
Urged him to travel on up to the feast,
Saying, "Go to Judea; there, at least,
Your disciples can see your deeds among crowds;
You can't whisper soft and be heard aloud.
If you're going to do this, do it right,
Out there in public, yes, out in the light!
If Messiah is here, God's plan unfurled,
Then surely he'd show himself to the world!"