This deep and silent darkness,
this all too human fear;
this self-denying Deity,
this judgement drawing near.

This cool and fragrant garden,
this echo of the Fall;
this reason for his Passion,
this hard and heavy call.

This path of pain and sorrow,
this pruning of the bud;
this cup that must be taken,
this shedding of the blood.

This one last opportunity,
this choice to turn away;
this Love that answers for him,
this Will that means he'll stay.

This Father-Son communion,
this precious Trinity;
this loss of heaven's presence,
this fulfilled prophecy.

This waited for arrival,
this friend and solemn foe;
this end to end all endings,
this life to death must go.


(c) Graham Oakes