Lamar Howell's Weblog

I gave my back to those who struck me

My cheek to those who plucked out my beard

Yielded my clothes to the drunken guards.

I was exposed to the shame and the spit

My brow, surrendered to a barbed crown

Presented my side to a soldier’s lance

My wrists and feet to iron spikes,

Offered cracked lips to sour wine.

I gave my mother to my bosom friend

My final question to the black of space

and one last breath to my Abba, God

Then submitted my body to a frigid cave.

I took the keys from an ancient foe

Sealed the tomb of torment

Stripped the power of Apollyon

Brought back saints from beyond.

I fashioned crowns and linen robes

Awarded the faithful, granted life

Conferred my name, bestowed gifts

My version of give and take.