Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. (Luke 23:32)

three figures floating above the ground
one with fire in his mouth
rages in desperation against existence
one begs for deliverance
in a strong moment, pleading
with the third for rescue
the last One speaks hope and peace
amidst such hopeless violence
split apart at the place of the Skull
He opens the cosmos wide
with painful grace for all
and welcomes us in

This is the fifth in a group of seven original poems composed for Holy Week, including:

• “Unseeing in Sleep”
• “Maker Unmade”
• “Nothing for Him”
• “The Glory”