Rich Tassinari

I claim to love Thee, and, thus reckon me

A pious chap, 'gainst others measured much

More suitable to me just how You'd see

A follower, disciple, or as such.

And so, I chose to not cry crucify

When other goodly Friday folk cried out;

Within a quiet mask of pride stood I

Amidst the sinners' cries raised to a shout.

But sinners' cries call from a broken soul

Which seeking hope turns to Your cross, then bends,

And burns with love like flames from dying coal

To live anew as Your death makes amends.

Thus I, now freely take the guilt that's mine,

Escape my death through Yours, and love I find.

Rich Tassinari 9/20/2007. Shakespearian sonnet form first written for Crossway. This is a poem based upon my own personal experience of refusing to cry, "Crucify Him", when I was younger in church on Good Friday. I believed I would not have crucified Him, yet, I discovered that I do crucify Him when I refuse to believe in Him and live my own proud way. That struggle is with me every day. He, however, is forgiving and always waits for my humble return to Him when I am resurrected from my death again.