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 pieces below were written while he was still imprisoned and have 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."
"Daily in prison, daily I sing,
Only because the Lord’s grace abounds more and more.
From the top of Mount Zion, the living spring water
Flows into my heart, never thirsty again.
Daily in prison, daily I sing,
Angels surround and fight alongside me.
Heavy burdens lifted, my heart is joyful,
Even the highest mountains can be moved.
Daily in prison, daily I sing,
Difficult circumstances train my courage.
The gracious Lord accompanies me through suffering,
In the end, a crown awaits in heaven.
Daily in prison, daily I sing,
Brokenness needs the gracious hand’s refining.
New life surpasses the old,
No longer fearing death, I give my all for the Lord."
The next two pieces were written by his mother in May 2022:
"Five years in bonds, no day is wasted,
Life’s poetry continues to be written.
Exploring the origins, researching Chinese civilization,
Collecting writings, expressing feelings, accumulating carloads.
Chest out, self-whipping, strengthening courage,
Obtaining the Way, reflecting, humbling oneself.
Essential meanings and spiritual energy fill the heart and mind,
Victory is just two fingers away, a moment in time.
Daily I clean the bed and desk, filling the blessing cup,
Inviting all to face the prison, tracing my son’s shadow.
Long-awaited, fulfilling the covenant,
A hymn of praise awaiting my son’s return."
Every day she wipes her son's bed and desk clean while filling a wine glass. She invites everyone to face his imprisonment and track his news while praying for him. They have waited too long but are ready to fulfill their vows before God together. They sing praises to welcome his return.
Cao responded with a poem dedicated to his mother:
"Yearning for mother, tender hands clutching her plain skirt,
Tottering out of the cradle searching all over the ground.
Now she comes to prison becoming my eyes and ears to the world,
A lifetime of loving care patrolling and sounding night watchman’s clapper."
One peculiar experience Cao encountered in prison was being denied tea leaves despite other prisoners having access. This inspired another poem:
"Misty rain shrouds cold peaks in haze,
Striving to draw from chilly springs.
Heavenly fragrance dispersed by water’s grace,
Quenching thirst clearing mind a tranquil trace."
After an earthquake struck:
"Debris flies everywhere in sight
Dust obscures broken paths collapsed walls
Thousands of hands prayers arrive just in time
Brick by brick tile by tile they compete to restore
Quality appearance surpass original goods
Grace fully displays power of reconstruction
Spacious new mansions join hands praise
Fully equipped awaiting return lost souls"
Reflecting on truth amidst change:
"With unchanging truth face ever-changing world
With unchanging fervor confront frozen souls on earth
With tireless steps measure distance ends earth
With unchanging humility receive outpouring Holy Spirit
With unchanging identity student accept teachings Lord Jesus
With unchanging heavenly strength withstand pressures human world
With wisdom above deal artificial intelligence
With unchanging joyful countenance face facial recognition
No matter how world changes love Lord Jesus will never change"
On anti-drug efforts juxtaposed with imprisonment:
"Grand celebrations contrast disaster blight
As Lin Zexu sighs sorrow afterlife
Among people some secretly join fight
Yet with addicts same cell they reside"
Discussing ideograms related to imprisonment:
"The character 'prison' is an ideogram showing two dogs flanking a person who dares speak truth reason emperor
Two dogs enclose man forbidding speech
Only praise flattery allowed preach
We don’t expect rewards pointing flaws[1]
Just don’t block free flow words like before[2]
Notes:
The character 'punish' is an ideogram showing net above person speaks knife beside them
Net covers entire realm
Sharp knives search every alley lane
Occasionally fearless commoner asks 'Why make enemies those speak truth?'"
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