MAN UPON THE CROSS (Declamation)

 

MAN UPON THE CROSS

Upon the cross against the hills of the night

They nailed the man, and while

they speared his breast they made him drink the bile.

He bore the pains alone, alone

But in the hallowed darkness saw

Sweet Mary's face upturned in grief below.

Tears filmed her eyes, but love

chastened the tragic beauty of her face

which neither death nor sorrow could erase.

He saw and feebly in the silence strove

to speak a few remembered words:

but now the whispers left his lips

like tender birds.

His arms were cold and death

was in his eyes; the streams

of blood were dry upon the whiteness of his limbs.

His breath was like a wounded bird

wanting to stay, to stay, bereft

now Mary rose and treasuring

his sorrow, left.