In a City Ringed in Stone

There were mobs of people,

Some shouting, some crying;

All were driven by a common center.

I pushed my way through,

and saw a parade.

Three criminals were being taken

to their allotted ends.

I wondered then,

why were these people filled

with such grief and range

At such trite occurrences?

Then I was lost to thought

when they came near me,

for the third one was not locked in the cage.

No, he instead was walking behind,

carrying his punishment

upon his back.

His face was bloodied,

His body beaten.

I did not know if I had ever seen him

Those nearing hysteria said his name was Jesus.

Then I started, my eyes widened in shock

as a hand grabbed my shirt,

pulling me forward and out of my trance.

I was shoved toward this criminal

who had captured my mind

Carry his burden,

was screamed to my face.

So as the man fell,

I picked up his cross

and felt his labor up the hill.

I pitied the man,

For the torment he was about to receive.

But I handed him back his cross. Thankful it wasn’t for me.

But He turned, and looked right at me

His eyes were all I could see, but they were so clear

I wondered if the wrong man

was being killed.

Then he said to me

I am doing THIS

For you.

Author's Note

This is in progress, I feel as though its too wordy. Please point out any sections that distract you from the heart of the story.