In honor of World Poetry Day, and in anticipation of Holy Week, I offer you this poem I wrote last year.
I. Introduction
It’s almost too much
The depth of human experience
In the course of just a few days
Our lives mirrored in his
Our lives molded by his
II. Palm Sunday
So much promise, potential, praise
Palm branches waving
Maybe the heartbreak really can be averted
But no.
III. Maundy Thursday
A last meal with friends
How do you say goodbye?
Love one another as I have loved you.
Unanswered prayer (or so it seems)
Even friends fail
Fear leads to betrayal
Alone.
IV. Good Friday
How did it come to this?
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Suffering exposed.
Sorrow relentless.
Grief overpowering. Isolating. Terrifying.
V. Easter Vigil
Rest in the dark
Remember
Creation out of nothing
Freedom from captivity
Dry bones dancing
Promises made
Promises kept
Rest in the dark
Remember
And while it is still dark, God surprises again.
VI. Easter
He is not here. He is risen.
Life from death
Love from hate
Hope renewed
God’s yes.
For you
For all
Come and see.