where once

feet that danced
through the streets
of Jerusalem
welcoming the Messiah
now softly pad
the back alleys
in search of shadows;

hearts that leapt
with joy at the sight
of David's true son
are thrown out
with Golgotha's
garbage;

hands that wrapped
a new born son
in bright bands of cloth
now shroud
his broken body
and lay him
gently,
tenderly,
softly
in death's manger.

where glad hosannas
rang out
there is now
only
the silent
weeping
heart
of
God.

(c) 2006 Thom M. Shuman