LAMENT
Please click here to hear Bob perform the hymn (about 3 MB in size). NOTE: You may need to download the file by clicking on down arrow beside the controls if the play stops after a few seconds in the embedded controls. This depends on the browser (Google Chrome seems to not play beyond a few seconds worth, Microsoft Edge seems to play it all):
REFRAIN
Where is he, oh where has Jesus gone – Teacher, healer, brother, son;
Short days ago, his praises were sung.
Short hours ago, we laid him down!
What did he do that he was undone –
Teacher, healer, brother, son.
VERSES
Thomas is lost. Where now can he turn
For guidance that inspires him, for words strong and pure?
"I had my doubts, yet I felt so sure
At some other time he’d explain some more.
Now what’s the good of all that he said –
It doesn’t prove a thing, now that he’s dead.”
Mary Magdalen once more stands apart;
She’s known too much in her broken heart:
“My hair touched his feet, his eyes touched my soul;
He saw me shattered and he made me whole!
Women like me don’t escape our past;
I’m frightened – without Jesus, my healing won’t last.”
Peter is the Rock, but now a rock of shame,
The rock that crumbled when they called his name!
“These last few days, I should have been strong;
He trusted me, but I let him down!
Call me, forgive me in my shame,’
And be my brother once again.”
Mary sobs a heartbroken cry,
The cry of any mother who must see her child die:
“The Angel of God said ‘Blessed’ am I,
But this – it’s come to this, and I don’t know why!
They hung you here on a cross to die;
My darling boy, my child … good-bye.”
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© Robert Czerny, Ottawa, 2017