by Max Grim

Created on: July 12, 2010

I was a soldier in the Roman Empire.

I was a thief, murderer, and liar.

I was there when Christ was placed under arrest.

Foolish nonsense, I once confessed.

I took him to the prison, damp and dark.

I beat him senseless and left my mark.

The thrashing I gave would have left most men dead.

I placed a crown of thorns upon his head.

I took his clothes and gambled them away.

I told him he would not last the day.

From sturdy Dogwood, a cross was made.

Under intense abuse, still he prayed.

He carried the cross upon his shoulder.

I was hateful, but the crowd was colder.

They called him a fool and spat in his face.

I walked behind him, just in case.

Although the crowd was on the verge of a riot,

the air was still and eerily quiet.

He carried the burden without a sound.

He stumbled and fell to the ground.

A man appeared to help him carry the cross.

Jesus was weakened by the blood loss.

To the cross I nailed his wrists and feet.

Sweat mixed with blood from the burning heat.

He still lived, but I didn’t know how.

I asked him where his God was now.

From a distance, his mother cried.

With a spear, I pierced his side.

The cross was hoisted into place.

His body was mangled and so was his face.

The crowd was harsh and didn’t care.

I swear on my life, I saw Satan there.

He laughed and encouraged the crowd.

They joined him and were loud.

Jesus looked up, but could hardly see.

He asked, “my God, why hath thou forsaken me?”

I looked at him and our eyes locked.

I fell to my knees as my soul was rocked.

He let me see what his purpose had been.

Jesus died, but I didn’t know when.

The earth shook and the sky was black.

The people hid in case of attack.

I went to my home and began to cry.

I had been evil, but I didn’t know why.

I was so tired that I could not see.

In a dream, he came to me.

He told me that he was the son of man.

Everything happened according to God’s plan.

I bowed to him and begged his grace.

A smile brightened his holy face.

He touched my head and set my soul free.

He told me that he would save a place for me.

After that day, I threw away my sword.

I changed my ways, and followed the Lord.

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