EASTER CHIAROSCURO

EASTER CHIAROSCURO *

"Death where is your sting

oh grave your victory?"

narrative of light and shadow portrayed

on canvas mixed with joy and melancholy.

a celebration feast with bread and wine

with friends and furtive foe

messages of puzzling metaphors

a towel and basin humility does show.

a virgin olive grove in moonless night

of mental anguish, deep sobbing prayer

and careless friends aroused by

torches, swords, a shamed betrayer.

light and shadows by a flickering fire

fearful followers desert their trusted leader

compassionate eyes had locked in knowing,

now one denies, a rooster crows at dawns surrender

of loving teacher, God’s son accused

as mortal men distort his heavenly mission

His head bows silent beneath the cursing blows 

a crown of thorns, the cruel fate of crucifixion.

three crosses on a barren hill

cast long shadows on a gathered crowd                              

to witness cynicism, yet one forgiven
as midday sun becomes a darkened shroud.

the sinless one cries out, a moment of abandonment

yet He summits, His Fathers will for all to live

becomes his end.

a mother’s heart bleeds sorrow like a sieve.

one who believed prepares the battered body

the same who met Him in shadows of one night

who understood, who personalized

redemption, his soul made right.

a borrowed tomb, sweet linens white

yet heavy stone to guard three days

wherein miraculous occurs

God’s power and majesty displayed.

bright sun comes up, a message

to despondent friends, their Lord’s alive!

a puzzled band, this motley crew

whose faith wells up, hope is revived. 

where is the triumph in empty grave

His risen body testifies

to sins defeat

the Father’s plan is satisfied.

thanks be to God it has been done

sin’s shadows fade

now walk by faith within the Light and

Life the cross and empty tomb have made.

Trudy Peters

2016

* chiaroscura is an artists use of strong contrasts of light and shadow