FINAL WALK

Now forty lashes - minus one
The torture, anguish has begun.
Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,
I can't endure - but won't complain.

A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,
Energy gone, I've got to sleep.
But on my back, a timber placed -
it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.

I feel the cross beside my face
I cannot walk a faster pace.
Skin rips open - each time I slip,
so tighter, I must keep my grip.

Each step I take is harder still
when trudging up this cruel hill.
The slivers pierce me as I trod,
both big and small - oh, help me God.

Please give me strength - for Heaven sakes
for every muscle in me aches.
With that huge cross along my back,
my knees buckle. My legs go slack.

Exhausted, I can hardly crawl
and then I drop it as I fall.
My shoulder hurts, the pain intense.
They all stare in awed suspense.

I can't hold it any more
yet I know next, what is in store.
My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -
but give me strength before my death.

Finally, at the top I rest -
but now this cross, my final test.
I love you all - am faithful still,
right here on top of Calvary's hill.

All the pain endured thus far
cannot erase the sins that are.
Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -
demands the pain on the cross begin.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/