From Bethlehem to Calvary

Of those who sought my crib at Bethlehem
Heeding a voice and following a star,
How many walked with me to Calvary?
It was too far.

Glory surrounded that once mangered babe,
And hope for men who struggled with their loss.
But hope, fulfiled, came through my thorny crown
And through my cross.

Truth was my sword and pain the accolade
Which I bestowed on those who followed on,
A tethered ass the charger which I chose
To ride upon.

Gone was the glory, then, of Bethlehem,
The gifts of Kings and Magi from the East;
Gone were the multitudes and only twelve
Were at the feast

Of humble bread served in the upper room
Where that sad cup was passed from hand to hand
In token of my love for all mankind
Within the land.

When, at Gethsemane, I prayed alone
That a more bitter cup might be withdrawn,
Ye could not watch with me one little hour
Until the Dawn!

So many sought my crib at Bethlehem
Heeding a voice and following a star,
But only Simon walked to Calvary -
It was too far.

- H. Le Gallienne.

Reprinted with the kind permission of The New York Times and the Author.