18 Comments
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Julie's avatar

I wonder about Judas so often. Thank you for this poem! A piece I will add for his picture in my mind that is yet incomplete.

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Thank you for reading, Julie!

Josiah Stumbo's avatar

Such visceral insight on the excruciating impatience Judas must have felt, waiting for that moment of having his feet washed to end. Like coals heaped on his head.

The last lines had me in deep eschatological thought--until I realized it meant the Last Supper--but I appreciate that it's probably purposely left a bit cryptic to make you ask questions about the extent of God's mercy.

Definitely going to follow Michael's work from this!

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Josiah, thank you for reading so attentively and thoughtfully. It means a lot to me! ❤️

Levi DeLange's avatar

The cryptic foreshadowing of Judas’ suicide in the first stanza is brilliant.

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Levi, I'm fascinated by your comment because this is one of those instances where you're seeing something that is definitely there, but that I didn't fully intend when I wrote it. I was drawn to the imagery in the first stanza for many reasons related to Judas' story, but his death by suicide was not at the front of my mind. So I'll say along with Josiah, "Oh yes. I missed it. Thank you!" 😄 Your reading is brilliant! 👏🏽 I love poetry.

Levi DeLange's avatar

Oh, no way! It's crazy how poetry has a way of creating its own meaning once the words are on the page. Amazing. I appreciare your poetry, keep up the great work!

Josiah Stumbo's avatar

Oh yes. I missed it. Thank you!

Liz Snell's avatar

A very touching moment I’ve never meditated on before. Thank you!

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Thank you for reading, Liz, and for your encouraging words. 🙏🏽

Joanna's avatar

Gut wrenching. As it should be.

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Well-said. Thank you, Joanna.

Cami's avatar

So powerful and equally, beautiful.

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Thank you, Cami! 🙏🏽

Sierra Westerholm's avatar

Wow.. a creative and serious piece that keeps you solemn. And awed. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Yes! Such a simple, stunning verse that captures so much of what's I was meditating on with this poem. Thanks for reading and commenting, Sierra. 🙏🏽

Sarah Spradlin's avatar

The tender, raw truth of this is breathtaking, friend. A timely read for me this morning, as well.

Michael Stalcup's avatar

Thank you, Sarah! So grateful to hear that these were timely words. 🙏🏽