“Where now, is there a place for me
To flee to from the righteous?
I stirred up Death to slay the Apostles,
That I might be safe from their blows.” – St. Ephrem the Syrian
All shades of doubt retain a crimson wound –
The one that goes the deepest. Take my case:
The child inevitably takes the place
The man will yield. Judea, stones in hand,
Was ready for him. Urged to take a stand
At every minute of my life, my face
Was set against theirs, poised to hold its ground:
“Where he dies – there’s where death and I embrace!”
These words still smart my ears and search the space
My mangled feet have walked. The miles pierce
And flay my pride. Humility’s made peace,
Though, with its twin – and knows there’s certain ground
To cover. Probing empire’s final end,
I’ve no doubt about where it’s to be found.



I’m more concerned about the neighbour’s dog barking right now, but good poem, thanks.
Score!
(And I hope it’s not the canine distraction which elicited this response…)
JOB
Churchill’s right.
This poem makes ordinary words sing.
Churchill is right, good poem.