Tears on the palm
blood runs from my hands
life on the cross
with burdens I have known

I've seen the world
in the broken dawn
watched sunlight's shield
glisten from layered skies

Tasted the lips
from a buzzard's kindnes
and seen his world dissolve
standing on a calvary rise

I have no rosary
but Mary watches me
with her gentle grace
I reach for her kindness

If only to kiss her sweet soul
her glowing eyes glance
kindly, from a loving face
hidden by shaking palms

It must be the blood in the eyes
the torrent of madness
sweeping the days and hours
brother killing brother

While their sisters mourn
It's the nail through the palm
the sharpness of the iron
the knot upon the pine

The pain of a human god
suffering for my transgressions
the commandment to forgive
the regret that comes with living

I should be thankful
I'm alive with more to give
Blessed with a love for life
there's still a burden I carry

There's tears on my palms
rich in blood, neglected
by years of sloth and waste
I lay myself down upon the cross.

May the rain wash away my burdens
my memory to forget
quench me with knowledge
so I may live through Him

. Joel L. Young 2002
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