Mocking the Crucified

Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. Mark 15:22-32 

Mocking the Crucified

This playground is full of danger

bullies and torturers everywhere

soft and gentle children their target

cover from the inevitable torture.

Human nature most basic most vile

teasing the one who is bound and hung

lashing out from safety and strength

at the weak and vulnerable lambs.

Children caught in the crossfire

little ones drown trying to escape

the migrants and refugees scorned

as a scourge on their cosseted neighbors.

Humanity belittling the weak and the poor

who want only to see the open arms of God

who want only welcome and a crumb of bread

and we have sent them packing to die.