My love for The Son of Man and Christianity as a way of life is infinite, however, I find it impossible to believe in a metaphysical world.
This poem is my personal view of God, Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene. Please do not continue reading if you are easily offended or intolerant of other peoples' views.
This poem is largely inspired by the novel The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis.
In a squalid hovel out of town
a gypsy hammers rage and steel
fashioning four shiny nails to kill
the prophet king.
In an olive grove near a hill
a zealot kneels down and weeps
for a rabbi who is going to die
and in a house with a red lamp burning in its shabby window
a woman cries for a death foretold.
She cries for all the nights
she yearned for him
and cried herself to sleep
she cries for all the nights
she searched for him in all
the men who paid to use her
and she cries for all the nights
she called for him and for all
the nights he never came.
Read all the poems inspired by The Last Temptation of Christ
A few words about the poem…
Eve of Redemption | Judas and Magdalene, A Tragedy Unveiled | A Poem About God
In this introspective poem about God by the Cyprus poet Chris Zachariou, inspired by "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Nikos Kazantzakis, we are transported to a world filled with despair and impending tragedy. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of two significant figures in Christianity: Judas, and Mary Magdalene.
The introductory lines paint a vivid picture of the setting—a squalid hovel outside the town where a gypsy crafts four shiny nails, destined to be the instruments of the prophet king's crucifixion. This imagery immediately plunges us into the sombre atmosphere that permeates the poem.
The scene then shifts to an olive grove, perhaps Gethsemane, where Judas kneels in sorrow, shedding tears for the impending demise of his rabbi. This portrayal hints at the profound impact Jesus had on his followers, as even Judas, a zealot known for his fierce devotion and militant spirit, is moved to grief and lamentation. This moment captures the weight of impending loss and emphasizes the significance of the figure they are mourning.
In another corner of this sombre world, we encounter a house with a red lamp burning in its shabby window. Here, Mary Magdalene cries for a death foretold. Her tears are a culmination of myriad emotions and experiences that have defined her relationship with the rabbi. The poet suggests that Mary weeps not only for the imminent loss of Jesus but also for all the nights she yearned for him in vain, crying herself to sleep. Her tears embody the longing and unfulfilled desires that have marked her journey.
The poem delves deeper into Mary's pain, capturing the profound sorrow of countless nights spent searching for solace and connection. The poet poignantly portrays Mary's anguish as she turns to other men who paid to use her, desperately seeking the presence of the one she truly yearned for. These lines evoke a sense of desperation and loneliness, emphasizing the profound absence and unfulfilled promises that have haunted her.
Through the intertwining perspectives of Judas and Mary Magdalene, this poem offers a poignant reflection on the eve of Jesus' crucifixion. It portrays the sorrow and yearning that both characters experience in the face of the imminent tragedy. The imagery and emotions conveyed in the poem allow readers to connect with the depth of their grief and the weight of their shared loss. As we embark on this poetic journey, we are compelled to contemplate the complex relationships and human experiences that shape the narrative of salvation and sacrifice.
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