[K:NWTS 23/1 (May 2008) 47]

Past and Present

James T. Dennison, Jr.

I came despoiled, dis-graced
                Marred, polluted, caked in dust.
                                Inside earth-shackled; soiled with guilt;
                                                No sentence but—death!

You took from me what I could best relinquish:
                Chains—broken; filthiness—disrobed.
                                Yes, take completely!

What mars Thee there? Nails and thorns.
                What rob(b)ed Thee there? Shroud and tomb.

                                                Thou, Lamb—last of all—best of all!
                                                                                                Iesus pro me!

What marks Thee there? Light and glory.
                What clothes Thee there? Life and resurrection.

You placed on me linen-white, radiant-light,
                Righteousness-robes; guiltless.
                                Yes, give completely!

I left restored, upright
                Molded, adorned, dust reborn.
                                Outside new risen; draped with glory,
                                                No sentence but—life!