IN THE SHADOW OF A CROSS
by C.H. Kimbrough

I stood in the shadow of a cross today
as a righteous man died with two others,
he was mocked by a crowd, so vicious and loud
as he said, "We are all brothers."

Roman soldiers laughed and played and I heard one say
as they gambled for the man's few things,
"This fool dies with thieves, and yet he believes
that HE is the king of kings!"

I stared at the crowd, the ignorant and proud
as I picked up a large rock with moss,
I wanted to strike them all with my might
as I stood in the shadow of a cross

But the man looked down with his thorny crown
and told me to forgive was best,
he said it was right to live by HIS light
and for this, my life would be blessed

And his voice was calm, though nails pierced his palms
his face showed such great pain,
yet he still said, "Forgive and forever you'll live
for HEAVEN is what you will gain!"

So, I threw down the rock, and of my life took stock
and all of my anger did toss,
God's love is so tall that he gave us his all
I have learned in the shadow of a cross