lie easier

by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer

a stab familiar down my arm

right arm

no fear

not pain alarm

and needles lance my spine, head, back

the hostage tied by wires to track

a throb and weakness

will not end

with age

decrepitude depend

but on my shoulders

burdensome

a length of wood

blood, sweat to come

I walk by You

and rest

You can

not do but fall

a broken Man

yet walk or drag and stumble face

down in mud made by tears Your grace

will hold me up as I move on

or float

as must

when strength is gone

the flesh that yields

my spirit raise

You shelter me, Love

endless days

through murk of blind electric jab

I see the nails You dear skin stab

and feel Your hands, blood salve for me

my Bridegroom holds me from the tree