by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer
scraped dry but nothing I can see
hurt crippled muscles seize can't flee
my every cell cries out release
as sheep deprived of winter fleece
the darkened head that shakes alone
so separated from its bone
and leaks and splatters mud become
like limps strings can't guitarless strum
can anyone touch where I bleed
how long I wait You intercede
though end there may appear to be
as You knelt in such agony
and now I know I must and sweat
and scream as inward blade flesh met
when interdigitation make
Your hands with mine my tension take
and thirst of soul and heart to slake
crimson or oil of chrism cake
the wounds now drying promised are
scars visible but spirit bar
from soul not stretched but grown and healed
the purposed suffering revealed
I revel at last in shared pain
remember, bride, Beloved contain
