In Darkening Shadows

The holy week, the steps of the Christ
in darkening shadows, leading inexorably
foreboding, portending, the suffering
the cross, the grave

The symbolic breaking of the bread
sharing of the one loaf
the pouring out of the wine
one cup of salvation,
shared with the faithful

The word, the vestments, the paraments
the cross covered, shrouded in death
a crown of piercing thorns
the sanctuary stripped, the curtain ripped

The darkening shadow
as the words are read
our sin, an awful price
his journey from glory to the tomb
as each candle is extinguished
Tenebrae, the darkening shadow
walking with our savior
leaving, in darkness, in silence


April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH