(Based on Acts 12)
We
stand swords sheathed
guarding
this Jew or whatever
it
is he calls himself some say
blasphemer
these people
are
a plague.
We
stand guarding him
waiting
for the word to come
to
slice his stubborn neck
separate
his stubborn head
from
his body
They
say he is one of the first
who
followed the rabble rouser
they’re
all rabble rousers
no
one can tell the difference
one
from the other
When
they come he speaks
his
hard words softly explains
who
he is what he is
what
he believes ripping
scales
from my eyes tearing
scales
from my soul slicing
my
heart asunder
The
order is given
the
sword strikes cleanly
I kneel
beside the headless
body
give my confession
and
ask for my sword
I
see light as it swings
According
to tradition, when James, the brother of John, was executed at the order of
Herod Antipas, one of the Roman soldiers guarding the prisoner was so convicted
by James’ final words that he asked to be executed as well. His request was
granted.
Illustration: Death of St. James the
Apostle, from a 19th century woodcut.
1 comment:
This is a powerful and affecting poem, Glynn, which reminds us of the way others are willing to die for their convictions in Christ. And it also sheds light on the way His light lifts scales from previously blinded eyes. Good work. Thank you!
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