They took him down

Before Him shall bow all who go down to the dust

and he who cannot keep himself alive. Psalm 22:29

They took him down

His crumpled, pierced body, destroyed by the world

to which he came.

Beyond hope

Beyond life

Sentenced to the dust that rose up to meet him.

Did they cry for him? Did wailing fill the air?

Were breasts beaten and clothing torn

as minds and hearts struggled to comprehend the ending of what had seemed to be a beginning?

What does the heart do when hope is extinguished?

Where does the mind run to when all the answers are removed?

There was nothing left to feel...nothing left to think...

They took him down

His crumpled, pierced body

And took it for burial.