Lamb of God
Outstretched arms
extended farther than joints allow
he cried to heaven and earth
pulling them together in one giant moment
one cross raised higher
for every deep hope of human desire
O Lamb of God
Booted from paradise
into arms of naked pain
this silly man with flimsy leaf
exchanged for a snappy coat
in nappy wool
divinely tailored and surrendered rule
O Lamb of God
Shivering sweet provision
a ram is stuck in thicket misfortune
caught and bleating cold
traded for a son
my sweet boy
nailed on the altar of enormous joy
O Lamb of God
Stammering down slaughter road
heavy with the weight
of every sorrow
the arm of the Lord is revealed
in one satisfied hellish sigh
when we deserved to die
O Lamb of God
He in whose hands
all being resides
is asleep in cradle of his mother’s arms
holding him at breast and for the world
the sacrificial and earthly beast
is alive through death for the marriage feast
O Lamb of God
Artwork: “The Crucifixion” by El Greco, 1600, Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain