temptation of christ

by Allister Nelson

Yeshua stripped in the desert '

was Caravaggio weaving light

out of shadow, lamb in sin.

Satan crept up like nettles

clothed in asps and dirt

for God cursed Him to be wild.

(They both ask why He abandoned

his brightest Morning Stars)

They spoke under vulture circles –

for a moment, for days, for ages

Satan beguiling, imploring, He begged.

Yeshua was comely, pure even in

desolation, but still He wept

with pity for the First Son,

knowing Himself the

Second Coming.

Both bear crosses, both wear

brier roses, each a Savior

and victim, each longing

for a taste of His Light.

Click here to read Allister’s bio.