Crucifixus

A tired figure
Struggling against the Judean heat
And the cruel splinters of a cross
Scraping into his flayed back.
Trying to climb the hill,
Ears full of jeering, eyes full of blood,
Heart full of love.

"I thirst!" The soldiers looked up from their
Bickering and bartering.
"Hey, see if you can get him to drink from a sponge!
Wouldn't that be a great prank?
Here's some old vinegar – he's in for a surprise!"
He choked on the vinegar, but was not surprised.

Darkness, complete darkness
Even the soldiers were frightened.
"It is finished!"
Earth shaking, rocks exploding,
Priests covering their eyes in horror
At the exposure of the Holiest Place.
The world ended that day.

What was it like to live on after the end of the world?
Apostles crept around in fear
(Only natural – Eternal God had just been killed!)
Until the dawn broke on a group of women.
"He is risen!"
Not the end of the world; the beginning of the world.