Shame

Shame When word had spread of His arrest, I left Bethesda, passed five porticoes and came Eventually upon the Roman fortress; My curiosity overriding shame. Six trials they say He underwent, stood still With arms behind Him bound, yet He refrained From admitting guilt before being dragged outside; While I could only hang my head in shame. They flogged Him with a lead-tipped whip and placed A crown of long sharp thorns to mock His fame, With laughter wrapped Him in a purple robe; While I could only hang my head in shame. As parting crowds allowed the Cross to pass, A constant storm of fists and curses rained, My silent form within the shadows hid; While I could only hang my head in shame. From my place upon the hill, I watched Him Shake his head when offered wine, the same Brew sipped in greed by His companions; While I could only hang my head in shame. With scant regard to modesty they stripped Him, Then gambled for His clothes and scorned His name, Brought hammer, nails to crucify this man; While I could only hang my head in shame. As noon approached, the sun retreated and Darkness fell across this land, yet hard rain Fell none to wash away complicity; While I could only hang my head in shame. His sweat stained forehead creased in agony, That wound where spear had pierced his failing frame, And from on high I felt His gaze meet mine; While I could only hang my head in shame. When all was still I helped Joseph wrap Him In a linen shroud, was thanked, proclaimed A friend, dismissed this status out of hand; While I could only hang my head in shame. Sunset stretched the shadows, an olive grove, A cave His resting place, Mary Magdalene In stifling tears reached out to say a prayer; While I could only hang my head in shame. And there we sat until the night sky turned To dawn, cold stars above, the burning flame Of our own thoughts now dwindling embers; While I could only hang my head in shame. I’m older now, my life is nearly done, Have followed in His steps despite been born lame, For healing hands once worked a miracle; Yet even now I hang my head in shame.