Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CHRIST OF SAN BUENA VENTURA, by AMELIA WOODWARD TRUESDELL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CHRIST OF SAN BUENA VENTURA, by                    
First Line: Ghastly christ on rude cross lifted, while behind the / clear-carved face
Last Line: Christ was raised from out the shadows—love for him our common joy.
Subject(s): Cavalry; Crucifixion; Jesus Christ = Suffering & Sacrifice; Missions & Missionaries; Jesus Christ - Crucifixion


Ghastly Christ on rude cross lifted, while behind the clear-carved face,
All the symbols of His sorrow, on the wall your tears may trace—

Curséd rods and cruel nails that once were hid in holy flesh;
Crown of thorns and mocking palm-branch; spear that drew His life-blood fresh;

Sponge upheld in vile derision; robe of scorn they bade Him wear;
Chalice of the blesséd promise that His life His own should share!

Meet the place for requiem masses which in holy week are said,
When the prostrate priest bewails the sorrows of the princely Dead;

Round this shrine the Crucifixus from the organ's dirge floats down,
Drear as once the noonday darkness fell on Calvary's awful crown.

But at festivals returning, Christmas joy or Paschal glee,
Fresh young voices flood the dark nave with their tide of minstrelsy;

And the rippling light-waves sparkle 'gainst the Crucifix' dull gloom,
Bright as that first Easter sunlight flashed on Joseph's garden tomb.

What are names to hearts that love Him! one same hope is for us all!
Jesus lay within the dark tomb—grief for Him our common pall!

Why the strifes that vex the Master! the same themes our tongues employ;
Christ was raised from out the shadows—love for Him our common joy.





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