The heart moans and mourns
Prickly with arrows of doubt.
Restlessness, like a hot, heavy ember
Sits upon a throne of confusion
Hidden under folds of mental shadow
Evading scrutiny and defying reason

Why? Cry you, “Why?”
For what does the heart mourn so?
What is this secret weight
Beneath which I am crushed
Whose name is unknown even to me
And yet calls itself my master?

What answer should I give you?
And what would you understand?
How shall I reply, that you would hear?
What can I reveal, that you would see?
For a pall is upon your understanding,
And what shall I say to you?

Shall I remind you that you are far from home?
Shall I point out that you walk in the midst of wolves?
Will you recognize the sword that has wounded you,
And see that it lies in your own hand?
Why do you remember that the valley is dark,
And forget the brightness of the approaching dawn?

Why do you forget your poverty?
You go about naked, and wonder at the cold.
Why do you forget your frailty?
You approach claws and teeth unarmed,
Bringing no shield to bear against the foe,
And will you complain of many wounds?

Have you forgotten that I have conquered?
You have despaired of my promise.
Is there anything above my command?
But you rather fear wretched princes.
Where is my Name powerless?
You never call upon me in faith.

But these things you will not understand.
You are surrounded by thick darkness.
Too terrible for you, this knowledge,
You will not see, you cannot hear.
Come then, and hearken.
I will speak, and you will know.

You are never alone in your suffering.
The Face of the Lord streams with tears
The Spirit of God groans with pain
The Eternal One cries out in agony
The Heart of Love is grieved
Hope Himself trembles in terror.

Look and see whether there is any solidarity
Like my solidarity; there is not.
Do you think your flesh is a costume to me?
Is your grief for me a mask?
Do you think human tears are a dance I perform?
Do you suppose I mime my wretchedness?

No; your breath fills my lungs
Your blood runs in my veins
Your bones ache beneath my flesh
Your sorrow pierces my soul
Your anguish chokes my heart
Your shame flushes my cheeks.

I howl in misery beside you;
I did not design you for chains;
So I’ll be bound likewise beside you
And moan your secret pains.
I do not know your hurt because I have made it;
I know your hurt because I bear the same scars.

I have drunk and have tasted and had my fill of your thirst;
Come, drink now of my fullness!
Your hunger has burned in the pit of my being;
Come, eat without price!
I have broken my back ‘neath the weight of your guilt;
Come to me, and I shall set you free!