#Living Psalm - Psalm 31:9-16_Thompson
The Passion
For Palm/Passion Sunday

I am in distress, my eye wastes away from grief
my soul and body also find no relief,
watching and waiting for your adversaries to appear,
listening to the disparaging words
of those who decry your worth and cause you pain.

I am in distress witnessing the militarization of our cities
watching armed soldiers trample your dignity
guns and crosses tools of torture and death
be gracious O God,
save your children from those who would seek to do harm.

My life was spent, living in a place
where the only crime was the color of your face
a place where your life was spent in sorrow
where you were labeled different
called a horror.

My life was spent, shamed for being 
queer, indigenous, woman, black, brown
your years spent sighing
in the face of imperialism and colonial occupation
of these lands your people call their nation.

My heart is full of grief 
I watch as the crowd gathers in the street
waving, waiting and cheering
their palms held high
their coats and blankets thrown at your feet.

My heart is full of grief
they cheer you on and name you king
mere hours 
before they scream for you to be killed
you, a truth teller who refused to be controlled by temple police.

My strength fails because of this misery
institutions of oppression taking life and limbs
my bones waste away in a jail
your life taken away on a cross
we victims of broken societies and wicked systems.

My soul rises from the depths of despair
I trust in God my spirit renewed
our times are in the hands of God 
Resurrection God, let your face shine upon us
save us God in your steadfast love.

Written by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
February 2023