I wrote the following poems around 1996 and just came across them again. They seemed appropriate for Holy Week.
Your Eyes
In my mind’s eye
I see you there,
Hanging on that rugged cross.
You don’t die like other men.
“Forgive them for they
Know now what they do.”
You lift your head,
Your eyes meeting the eyes
Of each one gathered there.
Each one turns away
Unable to bear your gaze,
And then your eyes meet mine.
Instantly I know you know.
You know my sin
Because you bear it there.
I am ashamed and
Start to turn away,
But then I remember,
“Forgive them for they
Know not what they do.”
I look back to your eyes.
You meant those words for me.
Even as you bear my sin
You ask the Father
For my forgiveness.
I meet your gaze
And I know
I am forgiven,
And I bow my head
In thanks.
With Open Hands
With open hands I come to You
I give You all my fears.
With open hands, release to You
The cares of all the years.
I tried to give them up before,
But held them in tight fists.
I come again to You once more
To give You all of this.
With open hands I come to You,
Hoping only to receive
The Holy Spirit, promised to
All those who will believe.
With open hands and open heart
And open life I give
To You alone, to cleanse each part
That in Your life I live.
© 2021 Dawn Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are ESV and all images are copyright free from pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views of my church or employer.
