Veronica (Villanelle)

Tamara Beryl Latham - The Poet

 

Veronica (Villanelle)


While I stood in the midst that final day
and held a handkerchief of linen white,
His form moved past me as I knelt to pray.

 

Daylight was masked by ebony and grey
and yet I kept His movement in my sight,
while I stood in the midst that final day.

 

His garments, torn and tattered, soiled and frayed,
hung loosely, He appeared devoid of fright,
His form moved past me as I knelt to pray.

 

Cries of lament were heard; yet, none would say,
He was the Christ, our Savior, and the Light,
while I stood in the midst that final day.

 

Though obstacles were cast into His way,
He trudged along the path; refused to fight,
His form moved past me as I knelt to pray.

 

I moved to wipe His brow without delay,
His imprint cast forever, sanguine bright.
While I stood in the midst that final day,
His form moved past me as I knelt to pray.

  • Author: Tamara Beryl Latham (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: November 30th, 2018 17:24
  • Comment from author about the poem: The final walk to the cross.
  • Category: Religion
  • Views: 26
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Comments5

  • ANGELA & BRIAN

    This is Beautiful Sister TAMARA : So beautiful it made me cry ! Because as a Child I was raised as a Catholic : I immediately recognised it as the 6th Station of the Cross where Veronica wipes he Brow of Jesus with a cloth and is pushed back by the Roman Soldiers. Because of the poignant Subject of the poem : the Villanelle is an excellent Structure because of the repetition of key lines (1 & 3) in verse One. Each verse gives an insight into the suffering of Our Saviour as he journeyed to his Atoning Crucifixion : AMEN

    Why did they nail Him to Calvary's Tree
    Why tell me why was he there ?
    JESUS the Helper : The Healer : the Friend
    Why tell me me why should he care ?
    All my iniquity on Him was laid
    He bore it all to the Tree
    JESUS the Price of My Sin fully piad
    HE bore the Ransom for ME ~ AMEN

    Thanks for caring & sharing
    LOVE in the SPIRIT
    Sister ANGELA 🧡🧡🧡🧡

    • Tamara Beryl Latham - The Poet

      Thank you so much Angela. I'm glad you both understood and enjoyed the repeating lines, as it pertained to our Savior, in this villanelle.

      I certainly appreciate your feedback. 🙂

    • Michael Edwards

      I'm not a Christian Tamara but I still recognise the beauty in this superb example of an elegant classical form. .

    • Goldfinch60

      Wonderful write Tamara and the excellent form of words.

    • orchidee

      A poignant write Tamara. Thoughtful too, in getting the rhymings.
      Similar to Mary anointing Him for burial. Then men helping too, e.g. Nicodemus and Joseph tending to His burial.

      • Tamara Beryl Latham - The Poet

        Yes, orchidee, what you have expressed was certainly true. I sincerely believe we are not too far from His entering through the Golden Gate (Jerusalem). What a day that will be! 🙂

        • orchidee

          Thanks Tamara. Phew! I'm reading a theology book. Now, are Christians taken to the Rapture before the Tribulation (pre-tribulationist - yes, the author says); during it (mid-tribulationist); or after it (post-tribulationist)? I got enough tribulation just saying the words! heehee.

          • 6 more comments

        • Gary Edward Geraci

          Beautiful write Tamara and the Sixth Station of the Cross that we try to pray on Friday in the Catholic world.



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