The Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb: a poem by Joanna Yeoh 

Streaks of sunshine filter through dewy leaves

Spring tulips peek from grassy knolls

Sparrows peck at the crisp morning air

Stony paths weave around an ancient wine press

I stare at the Skull on a craggy rock

I see pedestrians bustling around Damascus Gate

On this busy road the cross was raised

To make examples of men depraved

On one such cross Jesus took a place

And bore the pain, the shame and disgrace

While the Father turned away His sorrow'd face

The willing Son died in my rightful place

They brought Him down as dusk descended

In a borrowed tomb He lay

At the entrance of that tomb I contemplated

His finished work, gave thanks and prayed

Then into the stony crypt I step't with joy

An empty tomb I knew I'd find

O celebrate! He lives, Enjoy

His righteousness, His shalom peace

That all who believe and confess; receive.

This poem was inspired by visit to Israel in the spring of 2012