Forsaken
With contempt men gaze upon me,
disregarded, as a worm below their tread,
but You, O Lord have skillfully formed me
to be poured like wine, broken like bread.
This Carpenter's hands and sojourning feet
are nailed like objects upon a plank.
My back men scourged to appear as ground meat.
My face they spit upon; my beard they yank.
I am led as a sheep shorn with silence.
Anguish seethes like blood from my open chest
as I humbly absorb mankind's violence.
In You, My Comforter, I find no rest.
Once intimate, now Your face is turned
from the world's presence of sin I bear.
Your grace shown to strangers, from me is spurned,
showcasing your wrath while they scoff and stare.
These beasts charge at me with their forceful teeth,
just as bulls encompassing for the kill.
Demons taunt from above me and beneath,
thirsty for every drop of blood I spill.
Out of joint, I can count all of my bones.
My tender, pure heart melts downward like wax.
With no ease of relief in muffled groans,
my strength becomes dried like pottery cracks.
My tongue clings tightly to my jaws from thirst,
oh, Maker of love and eternity.
With my power laid down, men do their worst.
Why, oh why, God, have you forsaken me?!
My covering was torn and I am bare.
Men cast lots upon my stolen vesture.
Stripped of all but love, I reach out in prayer,
but receive not a comforting gesture.
In hateful tones men utter defiance
and I'm made to become a mockery.
Your past banner waves of deliverance.
Lord, will You not also deliver me?
Forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Change their hearts to receive forgiving peace.
For You have power to make all things new.
Let mankind's vileness by mercy cease.
Inspiration: Psalm 22
1/18/2021
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