From the Cross

Here I lay,
I have no breath to say,
“Help me!”
There is nothing I can see.
My face is in the dirt.

There in the distance is the flirt.
Flattering I once thought,
Now here I am caught.
My strength is gone.
In the passing crowd there is no fawn.
On me, the creatures walk.
I open my mouth but can’t talk.
By my throat, I’m being choked.
“Grip tighter”, they joked.
Faint am I-
No longer do I ask, “Why?”
I only clinch this ground.
In these fears I’ve once drowned.
I’m like the abused animal.
I’m charged as a criminal.

As I close my eyes,
I rebuke all the lies.
In the faith that comes from above,
I feel compassion and love.
For these who mock me;
For those who knocked on me;
Their day will come.
Rejuvenated by the Holy One,
I slowly raise my eyes.
In the wind, my tear He dries.
My sights are raised on high;
Bracing myself, I heavily sigh.
Renewed, I push up.
All around the creatures quickly back up.
Trembling like a leaf,
The look upon their faces is not of relief.
As I come to my feet,
They fall as I once had in defeat.
Their faces are to the ground.
I was lost, but now I’m found.
Under the mercy of Christ,
I’ve gained a new.
I no longer worry.
I was made in the image of God,
Over my adversaries I will trod.
Repented at the cross,
No more do I count a loss!

©2009 Jo Ann Cook