Luzern

Lessons from the Lucerne Lion

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
This stone lion is a landmark in Lucerne, Switzerland

A stately stone lion surveys old Lucerne.
He has done so for two-hundred years.
His face (etched in angst)
speaks of pain he has known
as he’s witnessed both heartache and fears.

There’s a spear in his back
that was plunged with the aim
to deny him a good lengthy life.
And his silent repose
calls to mind what we face
in a world of injustice and strife.

All the same this stone lion
reminds me of One
who redeemed Narnia with his death.
Like Aslan, this beast,
bespeaks blessings untold
as he graces our faith with His breath.

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Memories of Lucerne: A Year Later

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
The Wounded Lion Monument in Lucerne Switzerland

A year ago, I took my turn
to preach to ex-pats in Lucerne
and in the process fell in love
with Central Switzerland.

The friends we made (like family)
let down their guard and helped us see
that honest sharing brings us close
and binds our hearts as one.

The Wounded Lion’s weeping face
inspired thoughts of haunting grace
that Lewis knew in Narnia
as Aslan gave His life.

The old walled city with its charm
reminded me that no grave harm
befalls the one who is hemmed in
by God’s protective care.

And Mount Pilatus soaring high
became a sermon in the sky.
A constant source of towering strength
is God to Whom we gaze.

Yes, on this anniversary
my heart is full as it can be.
Our Swiss adventure proved to be
a dreamer’s dream come true.

My Gazing Place

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
A view from Luzern, Switzerland from a watchtower on a medieval wall

There is a place I like to climb
where beauty gives me pause to rhyme
as I look down on old Luzern
and play with words I love.

It is a place from which I gaze
at sights that prompt my heart to praise
the One who’s left His fingerprints
for those who dust to find.

This is a place in my Luzern
where I reflect on what I’ve learned
from times like these when I take time
to still my mind and see.