Scampering like a squirrel
up a shady Sycamore tree,
the small man
peered through the leafy branches
oozing curiosity.

Who was this man who drew people
like flies to the honeypot
in warm, dusty Jericho?

Stretched on a limb he gasped
as the teacher looked up
and caught his eye
inviting himself to dinner that night.

Shock arose in the murmuring crowd
and more in the tax collector
deemed a sinner
by the throng of sneering onlookers.

In a wondrous instant
Zacchaeus grew by leaps and bounds
ready to return
his cheating spoils
to the annoyed people.

Flooded with divine light
he who was lost
was suddenly found
by a loving Saviour,
rejoicing in the power of now
and table fellowship.

Salvation had arrived
in a unique way
sprinkled with
bursts of joy,
for the one once small
had grown so tall.       

(based on Luke 19:1-10)