The true account declares, not that he died,

but was "put to shameful death", a criminal

a truth which we suppress, a fact subliminal

killed by violence, his life unjustly tried.

Jesus brought out the best and worst, no less.

In some - hope kindled, charity renewed,

in others - envy, anger, hatred, brewed

And thus the sting: that from the cross he’d bless.

Suppress! Will we confine redemption’s scope

within the church; a cross between two candlesticks?

no scourge, no mockery, no nails, no mix

of vinegar and myhrr, no bitter hope

Death, hate and violence, our gift to God

without God’s love the road to hell we surely trod.