To a Cross in a Market

Well now, look at you.
Two sticks crossed and welded as one,
Do you mock or praise the tree
From which my master hung,
Or in memoriam do you lay?

Look at you, fine doppelganger!
Tiger Stripes in mimicry of my Lord's
Hanging from a cow hide string,
Like the one that striped Him red,
Do you praise or mock the tree?

Look at you, oh mimicry!
A silver ring bored into you,
Crown of thorns? Silver halo?
What do you claim to be?
Do you mock or praise the tree?

Look at you, little brother of the steeple,
Two sticks crossed and welded as one,
Do you praise or mock the tree
From which my master hung,
Or in memoriam do you lay?

- Andrea J. Graham,

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November 1999, All Rights Rights Reserved