Golgatha's End

From Gabbatha, before the judgment seat, a winding, tortured road: Golgatha's end. His flesh in shreds, he staggers on His feet, rough timbers grate excoriated skin. The lines from Jesse's root are drawn by thorns, the precious blood, in rivulets, runs dark. To slaughter sent, the lamb of seven horns, unblemished ere disfigured by their marks. Exchanging doubt for will on Olivet, and then to be betrayed by Judas' kiss; just thirty pieces bought that blood and sweat.  Sweet Jesus, has it truly come to this? 'Fore Pontius Pilate, seat of Roman power, civility, barbaric and uncouth, the lord of a dominion cruel and dour is juxtaposed 'gainst witness to the Truth. The keepers of the Torah did not know, or knowing, chose to look the other way. Prophetic much disrupts the status quo; Messiah sacrificed so they might stay. A carpenter, he learned to dress the wood, a trade ’twas handed down with father's love. Ironic then to fashion heaven's door, with arms outstretched, give access to above. The lots and insults cast further disgraced this giver of new wine and broken bread; above his crown of thorns, a sign was placed with words that bore the truth of what he said. The first line read, "Jesus of Nazareth." The second signified Judean king, a title earning chief of priest's rebuff. His own received him not, "He's no such thing." And so on center stage, the bitter cup, with cohorts stealing parts to left and right. The serpent bronze is high and lifted up, and ushers in humanity's dark night. Amidst it all, a faith ’twas Roman-cast; observing, the centurion was awed in witnessing how Christ gave up his last, "This Jesus truly was the Son of God!" The earth was rent, the inner veil was torn as though creation's pain sought some relief. The crowd, returning home, beat breasts and mourned; the women, at a distance, watched in grief. An upright man who did not give consent, a certain Joseph took his body down, wrapped Him in strips before the day was spent, and thus was Jesus buried in the ground. (from the passion narratives of the gospels) Fifth Place Winner for the A BRIAN STRAND PREMIERE CHOICE Poetry Contest sponsored by Brian Strand written 04/11/2022