The Sword Of Mary (Extract From The Easter Suite) Poem by Bill Mitton

THE SWORD OF MARY

When he was just a little boy
I’d watch him laugh and play
then my heart would ponder
on this pain I feel today

You will know the greatest Joy
The Angel told me from the start
For you shall bear the son of God
But a sword will pierce your heart

As I watch him go from Boy to man
Through the turning of the years
My pleasure at his growing
Always tempered by my fears

I loved him as a mother would
And he loved me as my son
But each of us both well aware
God’s will must soon be done.

I watch him heal the sick and blind
I watch him raise the dead
And every day despite my smiles
My heart grew dark with dread.

I saw him call the Fishermen
Simon Peter, James and John
I knew then that his Father’s work
And my trial had both begun.

I stood in fear and anguish
As in his anger and his doubt
He went into the temple
And drove the moneylenders out.

He was my son in all things
his love was always mine
and just for me at Canna
he turned water into Wine.

His time with me was borrowed
and I knew his hour was near
that soon would be his sacrifice
my heart was cold with fear.

They took my son and scourged him
With thorns they pierced his head
then my heart it knew the sword
As God’s messenger had said

But as I watched my Son’s last agony
as he hung there on the Cross
Ten thousand swords were not enough
To express my pain and loss.