My Situation, My Life

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Never had I  
been paralyzed
by the toxins
of fear and shame. 
Men ripped me away 
as they ignored the man 
with whom they saw me. 

Forcing me to walk 
as they sought Him, 
they clapped stone 
against stone 
as they rallied 
for my death
by stoning. 

What,
to them,
is another
dead woman? 

Upon finding 
the One sought, 
they thrust
my body 
to the ground
before Him
with disdain. 

Time, prayer,  
discernment 
have led me 
to wonder if I
was a pawn used 
to trap This Man 
whom I knew not. 

What,
to them,
was another  
dead woman? 

Instead, He refused 
the stones offered
and looked upon 
my trembling form
with mercy enough 
to hold my fear and shame
upon the threshold 
of my painful 
and violent demise.

He then squatted
close to me.
Not understanding, 
I embodied a change 
in the dynamics 
of my situation,
of my life.

This day held
the defining moment
of my simple life
to which nothing
could ever compare.

With no judgement
but such authority,
He raised a question.
In baffled silence,
my accusers left 
like lost sheep.

Helping me 
to stand upright,
He liberated me
beyond systems 
designed to deny 
my humanity,
my dignity.

In compassion,
He wholly saw me
in my humanity
with the dignity
of one created
by YHWH.

Readers who follow a liturgical calendar know this is not the traditional season in which we hear this narrative from the Gospel of John. This reflection was an unexpected surprise that has consumed this day. As always, feel free to share your comments. - Leslye