Scarlet Cloak

By Gerald Sumeracki

Just another prisoner,
Another man to flog,
A guilty Jew to hang that day,
On beams hewn from a log.

They led Him to some shackles,
Fixed to a blood stained wall,
Where many bled throughout the day,
In pain He'd quickly fall.

This Jew was strangely handsome,
The one called Christ the Lord,
But even He would meet His end,
He'd see the Roman sword.

Christ stood in Kingly manner,
God's love flashed from each eye,
As Roman brutes did ply their trade,
Yes, spit and whips did fly.

They beat Him in great anger,
But could not reason why,
This humble Lamb said not a word,
To bring their fury high.

They whipped Him on His shoulders,
His waist and back as well,
And wondered how He stood their hate,
Why not in pain He fell.

Each stroke that bit His shoulders,
Each stinging pain that came,
Reminded Christ how much He loved,
All those God did ordain.

At last His flesh did buckle,
The weight of hate ran high,
His bloody frame looked not like man,
Love's tears now filled His eyes.

They placed a cloak around Him,
Of Regal scarlet hue,
In mocking praise, they all did bow,
To Jesus Christ the Jew.

And yet the Master loved them,
His life He'd gladly give,
His precious blood, yes every drop,
He'd shed for man to live.