The Ballad of Doubting Thomas

THE BALLAD OF DOUBTING THOMAS

Miserere eum nobisque

When Christ came down from off the cross

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

None were but did bewail his loss.

and the cherry blooms in spring

When Christ arose from out the grave

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

then some did doubt and some believe.

and the cherry blooms in spring

When Thomas heard the news they bore

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

He shook his head and scoffed and swore.

and the cherry blooms in spring

"I'll never credit this disguise

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

save that I see with mine own eyes."

and the cherry blooms in spring

"Nor with you will I not rejoice

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

unless I hear his very voice."

and the cherry blooms in spring

"No more with Christians will I stand

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

ere I touch the nail-holes with this hand."

and the cherry blooms in spring

Then the wind did blow and the rain did moan

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

And Thomas walked along alone.

and the cherry blooms in spring

He saw a figure in the road

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

That might, or might not, be his Lord.

and the cherry blooms in spring

"O Thomas, dost thou know me now?"

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

"Naught know I,  save you show me how."

and the cherry blooms in spring

Then Christ revealed his wound so wide

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

And Thomas thrust his hand inside.

and the cherry blooms in spring

He fell to 's knees without a word

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

Then said: Thou art my Lord my God.

and the cherry blooms in spring

Praise God that Thomas is reprieved.

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

Thrice blest who saw not, yet believed.

and the cherry blooms in spring

Then when from faith away we fall

Oh the leaves drop down in autumn

May God have mercy on us all.

and the cherry blooms in spring

[For a related poem, see:  The Healing of Jesus]

The Healing of Jesus

For Christ he was both Man and God;

as God by death our sins hath bought.

Oh Christ he was both God and Man:

the man felt fear and frost and pain.

            ~            ~            ~

A dusty road then Jesus trod

with sandals only was he shod

He felt a touch upon his clothes,

and lo alarm within him rose.

Noli me tangere

He sensed a touch upon his clout,

and felt some virtue going out.

He spied the people on the path,

and turned to them a face of wrath.

"Who touched me?" cried the Christ aloud

and sternly stared among the crowd.

No answer came.  His face was black.

The chosen and the mass fell back.

His men exchanged uneasy look.

Then one of them arose and spoke.

"O master, see the pressing throng,

so close ye move  the crowd among,

jostled, chivvied, begged of, budged --

Can ye then ask  who you hath touched?"

Behold, from out the crowd there stepped

a woman trembling, knelt and wept.

"Lord, that was I, who without leave

reached out, for that I did believe

a touch might heal   what physic's leech

lo these twelve year  had failed to reach."

He stares at her; and gasps;  he sees

her faith has healed her of disease.

Renewed she stands there, washed and pure.

Nor none but faith has wrought the cure.

 

He moans to know  the power he hath:

behold the faithful, healed by faith!

His eyes roll back, he starts to sway,

and silently  begins to pray.

"With men I read and teach thy Word,

and with them pray, `Who art thou, Lord?'

Yet now I raise another cry

O Lord my God, tell: Who am I ?"

The answer came; we draw the veil.

What then was said  man cannot tell.

            ~            ~            ~

Then round about, the crowd felt peace,

and knew that one was touched with grace.

He gazed on her with eyes so mild.

"Thy faith hath healed thee; go, my child."

~

(For additional epiphany, click here: )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwzOXzZWUik