The Crucifixion

And the centurion who stood by said:

Truly this was a son of God.


Not long ago but everywhere I go

There is a hill and a black windy sky.

Portent of hill, sky, day's eclipse I know;

Hill, sky, the shuddering darkness, these am I.


The dying at His right hand, at His left,

I am -- the thief redeemed and the lost thief;

I am the careless folk; I those bereft,

The Well-Belov'd, the women bowed in grief.


The gathering Presence that in terror cried,

In earth's shock in the Temple's veil rent through,

I; and a watcher, ignorant, curious-eyed,

I the centurion who heard and knew."