Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BRIER; GOOD FRIDAY by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON

First Line: BECAUSE, DEAR CHRIST, YOUR TENDER, WOUNDED ARM
Last Line: THE CROWN OF THORNS UPON YOUR BLEEDING BROW
Subject(s): CATHOLICS; HUMANITY; JESUS CHRIST - SUFFERING & SACRIFICE; SELFISHNESS; ROMAN CATHOLICS; CATHOLICISM;

GOOD FRIDAY

BECAUSE, dear Christ, your tender, wounded arm
Bends back the brier that edges life's long way
That no hurt comes to heart, to soul no harm,
I do not feel the thorns so much to-day.

Because I never knew your care to tire,
Your hand to weary guiding me aright,
Because you walk before and crush the brier,
It does not pierce my feet so much to-night.

Because so often you have hearkened to
My selfish prayers, I ask but one thing now,
That these harsh hands of mine add not unto
The crown of thorns upon your bleeding brow



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