The Ten *Paraments

of the Passion 

*Paraments: Latin origin –

noun: adornment/symbol

verb: to prepare

 

1.

Flint

is for fires that spark the heart,

but a flint-like face

is where we start:

turning his face

toward Jerusalem.

 

2.

Cup

or chalice

brimmed with Passover wines

but the dregs of Gethsemane

are what’s on his mind.

 

3.

Field,

a plot of land

purchased with blood money

as silver crossed hands

yield a pauper’s cemetery.

 

4.

Reed

strikes a thorny crown

and bears better-sweet wine

for bandits

and a prophet

beneath a “King of Jews”

sign.

 

5.

Gall

of the Empire,

brazen injustice

bitter taste of oppression

at the crucifixion.

 

6.

Bandit,

a Persian thief,

will see Paradise

with Allah

at peace.

 

7.

Darkness:

the Light of the World

snuffed out for now.

 

8.

Curtain

torn asunder

staging a New Age.

 

9.

Linen,

fine, pure white,

clean,

enwraps

a bloody body:

compassionate scene.

 

10.

Seal,

insignia,

emblem of power

will be brought to naught

at the dawn of the hour.

 

Written by Kenn Storck

April 6, 2020