I Was There

Did you see that man coming down the street My friends were laughing at Him. He left drops of blood all along the street as they marched Him away. As he passed my door, though He was obviously in much pain He managed to look my way. My eyes were held for only a brief moment with this mysterious man, But in that time I knew He was not one who deserved this. His eyes were full of love In the midst of his great suffering, and He took the time to see me. So as He passed on by I could do nothing but thinkto follow Him. I slipped along beside the crowd, Most were shouting with words of anger and hatred, But some were weeping and I knew that He was loved. I did not know why I followed along Or who this quiet man was. But I knew that He had reached me deep inside with just a look. We came upon the spot where all the criminals hung. But I knew He shouldn't die with them, A tragedy had begun. I watched in silent terror as they nailed Him to that cross, I saw the anguished face He held and heard His merciful cries. I gathered closer to those that wept for Him, And I heard their broken-hearted sobs. I knew that He was all to them, And I wondered why He was so beloved. Then they hoisted the wooden cross aloft and His blood ran down the sides, And from His head where that thorny crown lay, it ran into His eyes. The mocking grew worse and yet He simply lay there crying. I could see His breaths coming in short rasps as He uttered His few words. As the hours passed my longing to know who He was grew more, But just as I approached His followers the sky began to darken. Fear filled my heart but I could not turn away, I looked upon His broken image as He looked towards the sky. I could hear His words as if He were right next to me, He was dying there and yet He still asked forgiveness for people like me. The the earth did shake and He was gone, only a limp body remained, And the crowd trembled with terror realizing what they had done. For in that instant as He slipped away there was no doubt just who He was. He had told us many times before but we had simply passed Him by, And all He ever wanted to share was the love that He had to offer, That would bring everlasting life. I saw it in His eyes when He passed my door that day, And I felt it deep within my soul as I watched the Son of God pass away.Though obviously I was not at the crucifixtion, I can only imagine the way it would have been to someone who saw it and then realized their mistake. I pray that this can touch just one person. Written January 7th, 2002 © on Jan 07 2002 09:07 AM PST   0 • 13