The Death of a Christian

The Death of a Christian My neighbor assaults me like a wild animal upon gamely meat Instinct demands I retaliate –spiritual instinct demands forgiveness “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thy self” He adorns raised fist of unkindness- hard as a rancorous sledge “If he smites thee on the cheek, turn to him the other” As rain thrusts from a savage storm- he pours down all over me Seemingly inundated by thunderous blows “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Sore is my jaw - no more but uttered groans can I speak Blood runs from my nose like red, warm, snotty sewage pumped from a septic tank By hands who have flaunted me –Traumatic-pain throbs throughout my head All over -All over – residing pain now reigns Woefully obtained from evil doers -animus in their giving Knocked down in a dirty place stained with filth- I lay still “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani” But my neighbor’s vengeance pricks me all the more Not one sting but multiples galore Glory, Glory- Death resides near and I do not fear “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit”