Gethsemane

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane - G.B. Tiepolo from Free Christ Images 

And it seems an age now,

the easy friendship around the table,

bread and wine and herbs, the stories and psalms

and the deepest words, so softly spoken.

But what feels so close now,

a loaded court and a dawn appearance

kicking, punching,  the spittle and shame

the fear of friends and the hate of others.

And it seems to loom now,

the hanging hours on a Roman gallows

blood and water, the mocking rebels

the sword plunged in a mother's breaking heart.

Is there more to see now?

Dim-seen light on a chilly grey morning

fleeing devils and the light of heaven

and Mary clinging, her joy beyond words.

But for now, there's just now.
A life just ending and a cup to drink
sleeping comrades and an angel's embrace
the coming footsteps, and that fateful kiss.