Wretched Thief

Crucified Thief © 2005 Maureen Carter

Nails pin flesh
and soul
to the cursed tree.
Premature death
for a wretched life.

Trampled innocence -
robbed rich
and poor -
this end is deserved.

Gestas, hard accomplice,
mocks and curses
the gentle man
the battered 'king'
between us nailed.

In hills and valleys
this man preached
God's kingdom. I listened
and ignored -
now the pain,
this man crucified for no crime
conviction stabs.

A chief priest,
church piety,
looks upward
scorns the bloodied man.
The response -
forgiveness.

My heart breaks, truly
I've lived the wrong life
my soul leaps
lungs cry,
“Jesus, remember me when
you come into your kingdom.Ӡ

† The Gospel of Luke, 23:42

© msl 2004