Holy Week 2019 proceeds…

Photo by Joonas kääriäinen from Pexels
Night ushers in, clothed in silvery gleam,
As Luna shimmers bright, entering Passover full steam,
Joy around table, supping cups;
Mood changes – he teaches his body, Covenant New,
And that one would betray him, he says out of the blue,
Nervous, but Judas continuously sups.
We go for a stroll through silvery gardens,
He says I will deny him! Heart slightly hardens.
He teaches urgently for hours.
Judas absent; Jesus doesn’t waste a breath,
Why does he keep speaking about his death?!
What does he mean?! The mood sours.
We enter the Garden of Gethsemane,
Dark shadows crawl from each olive tree;
He implores us to stay awake.
As the night lingers he slouches – weighed down
Like his spirit was sinking, or already drown –
Sleep conquers; wine our consciousness takes.

Photo by Francesco Ungaro from Pexels
Aroused from nap as he implores with urgency,
Unaware Judas had a fistful of currency,
A stones throw away, he collapses to pray,
“Abba, he’s full of sorrow, what’s wrong with our Yeshua?”
Faltering on warning, “Stay awake, it will behoove ya’.”
Eyelids crash – I’m sleep’s prey.

Photo by Rajul Sharma from Pexels
He awakens us again, bloodstained at peace, says time is nigh,
As we see the approach of torches – do we fly?!
He stands steadfast and resolute;
Crowd with clubs and swords. Is that Judas leading?!
Hearts racing – revolution beginning? Mind’s pleading!
Judas kisses his cheek; to the enemies a salute!

Photo by Batuhan Alper Bilginer from Pexels
Hell and mayhem break loose,
They grab my Rabbi! I’m cooking their goose!
Fighting for life, I unsheathe my sword,
Swing it like a battle ax to split his crown,
He dodges, but I take his ear, spilling blood on gown;
Rebukes me and heals the uncircumcised swine! I’m floored!

Photo by it’s me neosiam from Pexels
Looking around, most of my friends already fled,
From our Rabbi who our spirits he faithfully fed,
Despondent and confused, I chose to flee;
Running into darkness away from the torches flames,
Breathless, fear settles as the anger tames,
I yell, “Abba, how can this be?!”

Photo by Etienne Marais from Pexels
I follow the mob at a distance,
Is this the end? Deflated hope of resistance?
I continue lurking in the shadows,
One friend with me; they take Jesus inside.
My friend goes in as Jesus they begin to deride.
I remain out and try to blend with the flows.

Photo by omar alnahi from Pexels
The crowd continues to question, hit and mock,
Courage sinks like quicksand – I’m supposed to be the rock –
They beat him and accuse him with lies!
My face and accent give me away,
They say I’m with him, I deny my Lord – I sway!
The rooster sings thrice – oh, Jesus’ eyes! – sunrise …

Photo by lalesh aldarwish from Pexels
© Joshua Curtis, 2019