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 own personal view of God, Jesus, 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.
The softness of the girl;
the hardness of the boy.
We kissed—
a touch; a sigh; a whisper
and my fate was sealed.
You were terrified;
you struggled free
falling onto the ground
like a soul possessed.
I touched your lips, I wiped
your brow and you trembled
in my hands like a hunted bird.
I begged Him to let go
but He is cruel and jealous
and all is His and only His
and He will never share.
Seven sins came sailing
from across the Galilee
knocking on my father's door.
He cursed and told me
I was the bride of Lucifer.
A red light burns in my window night and day and some nights
it feels like a thousand men
have passed through my body.
I writhe and howl on these sheets of soiled dreams and my gown is soaked in sin with the stench of paid-for sex.
And all the time,
I close my eyes and search
for you in all the hungry hands
and twisted mouths crawling up
my thighs and battered breasts.
Read all the poems inspired by The Last Temptation of Christ
A few words about the poem…
Desire, Temptation, and the Enduring Hope of Mary Magdalene | A Poem About God
In this emotionally charged poem about God, we are invited into the world of Mary Magdalene, where her perspective and relationship with Jesus are explored through the lens of the novel "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Nikos Kazantzakis.
The opening lines juxtapose the softness of the girl, representing Mary, with the hardness of the boy, symbolizing Jesus. The poet captures a pivotal moment between them—a kiss that seals Mary's fate, forever altering the course of her life. The encounter between Mary and Jesus is marked by a mix of emotions. Jesus is portrayed as terrified and struggling as if possessed by inner turmoil. In contrast, Mary approaches him with tenderness, touching his lips and wiping his brow, as he trembles in her hands like a hunted bird. These poignant images convey a sense of compassion and vulnerability in their interaction, emphasizing the deep connection between them.
The poet introduces the theme of conflict, revealing Mary's plea to be released from the grip of God. He is depicted as cruel and jealous, unwilling to share His son and possessive of all that is His. As an alternative viewpoint, one may consider the sacrifice individuals might have to make for the greater good of society, with God choosing the latter option. This portrayal hints at the inner struggles and the challenges Mary encounters as she navigates her relationship with Jesus.
Drawing upon biblical and mythological imagery, the poet depicts the arrival of seven sins sailing from across Galilee, knocking on Mary's father's door. This event leads to a devastating revelation, as her father, in his anger, curses her, labelling her as the bride of Lucifer. This curse carries a weighty significance, casting Mary as an outcast, burdened by the perceived stain of sin and temptation.
Mary's subsequent existence is portrayed as one of turmoil and darkness. A red light burns in her window day and night, symbolizing a life consumed by low morality, desire, and temptation. The poet conveys a haunting sense of Mary's experiences, describing nights where it feels as though a thousand men have passed through her body. The visceral language used creates an atmosphere of anguish, as Mary writhes and howls on sheets tainted by her soiled dreams, and her gown is soaked in sin and the stench of paid-for sex.
Amidst this turmoil, Mary's yearning for Jesus remains unyielding. She closes her eyes and searches for Him during countless encounters with hungry hands and twisted mouths. The longing for connection and the desperate quest for redemption are palpable, as Mary wrestles with her desires and the perceived sins she has committed.
Through the exploration of Mary Magdalene's perspective, inspired by "The Last Temptation of Christ," this poem delves into the complexities of human relationships, desire, and the struggle for spiritual salvation. It invites readers to contemplate the depths of Mary's experiences, and the enduring hope that amidst darkness and turmoil, there is a possibility for forgiveness and redemption.
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