jtd@dec.uk.net

The ‘allurement of motherhood’ embraces all

Yet to watch a son die must surely be a trial of immortal love.

The split wood and wounds of purest love

Conceal the emotion of a contrite, broken heart.

From annunciation to Golgotha’s heights

This journey made in joy, obedience and love

Mingles with bitterest gall and songs of promise unknown

To her son that cries painfully to His Elijah.

Three of the clock heralds the darkest of hours

As ground heaves and turn coat victors

Celebrate the end of an epoch

But time is impartial and covenants will be honoured.

A limp, shattered body is removed from a central tree

Is placed upon the warm lap of The Mother.

Tears of recognition and fate

Shroud the completed ministry of Her youthful man.

Prayers for the departed break from a moist lip

To heaven’s eternal guest: his task complete.

Spear torn side and wounds of purest love

Signify the sacrifice of Her lamb.

Love, stronger than death prevails through time and space

Yet here in the darkest of hours love appears not

From this lifeless body other than the uttered promises

Made in the pervading hours of recollection.

The Mother, the Son united in death

Shared blood and sacrifice for the futility of man?

A promise made and honour fulfilled

Goes beyond love to this departed soul of assured resurrection.

19^th April 2003.

Stabat mater dolorosa
Iuaxta crucem lacrimosa
Dum pendebat filius;
Cuius animam gementem
Contristantem et dolentem
Pertransivit gladius.

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