HEAVEN, THIS AFTERNOON (Day Six)
from COME, FOLLOW ME!
In the street I saw the man, who shared my cell last night,
His eyes were filled with terror, and his skin was very white.
As we stood there shaking, they brought forth another Man.
He was bruised and cut and battered, till He could barely stand.
A crowd surged forth around Him, many called His name.
Some people seemed to hate Him, and were glad He was in pain.
Now that there were three of us, they brought the wooden beams,
I tried to think this was not real; but the worst of Satan’s dreams.
With the crossbeam on my shoulders, I bowed beneath it’s weight,
I stared at the Roman soldiers, and again I felt my hate.
I looked over at this third Man, and at His blood-streaked face,
He showed no fear that I could see, no hatred for this place.
We struggled slowly onward, down the rough and crowded road,
The Man behind was gasping now, as He tried to bear His load.
They cursed Him for His weakness, they struck Him and He fell,
While my day seemed like a nightmare, His day was utter hell.
Soon enough He fell again; and someone helped him rise,
This man they forced to bear the cross, much to my surprise.
I knew where we were going, and it was not far away.
I dreaded every footstep and I prayed for a delay.
I still did not believe in God. I was not a praying man.
Yet my lips were moving in a prayer, and I couldn’t understand.
By Shirley Amendt
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